VICTORIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
This book is purchased from
The Schofield Fund
given in memory of
William Henry Schofield
Victoria College, B.A. 1889
Harvard University, Ph. D. 1895
Professor of Comparative Literature
Harvard University, 1906-20.
Harvard Exchange P rofessor at
University of Berlin, 1907
Lecturer at the Sorbonne and
University of Copenhagen, 1910.
Harvard Exchange Professor at
Western Colleges, 1918.
OXFORD : HORACE HART
PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY
j&eries
142
(Btoglfok
<80d»terc
WRITTEN ABOUT 1450.
EDITED, WITH AN INTRODUCTION,
ANDEEW CLARK,
M.A., LINCOLN COLLEGE, OXFORD; M.A. AND LL.D. ST. ANDREWS
HON. FELLOW OF LINCOLN COLLEGE.
•
LONDON :
PUBLISHED FOR THE EAKLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY
BY KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER & CO., LTD.,
BROADWAY HOUSE, LUDGATE HILL, E.G.
AND BY HENRY FROWDE, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS,
AMEN CORNER, B.C.
1911
PR
\H3
An
no. \E3 etc.
U010
CONTENTS
PAGE
FOREWORDS . . . » ... . ix
VISITATION OF GODSTOW, 1432 . -^ » ' . . Ixxxi
GRAMMAR NOTES . . . . ••.-.." ".-!'. . . . xciv
ANALYSIS OF FIELD NAMES . ' . ". \ . . cxxxiv
DIRECTION TO THE BINDER
The Provisional Sheets of Part I (1905), pp. i-xii, and of Part II
(1906), pp. i-viii, if it is desired to preserve them, may be bound
in at the very end of the volume, after Index II.
— D
Ickford
74
Little Missenden 78
Oakley .82
Turweston 83
Westbury . . . ;. . 84
Wycombe. .' . '*.'**... • ^5
DORSETSHIRE DEEDS : Maiden Newton . . . 122
GLOUCESTERSHIRE DEEDS : Bourton-on-the-Hill . 128
Cherrington and Charlton . . . 129
Daglingworth . . . . . . 130
Duntisborne . . . . . . 134
Frampton-on- Severn 135
Gloucester ... . . 138
Meysey Hampton ... . 150
Pauntley I52
Little Rissington 153
PR
A 2.
no, \E3 e.tc.
CONTENTS
PAGE
FOREWORDS . . . . . . ... . ix
VISITATION OF GODSTOW, 1432 . , . . . Ixxxi
GRAMMAR NOTES . . <. . ' . . . . xciv
ANALYSIS OP FIELD NAMES . . ' . \ . . cxxxiv
PREFIXED LITURGICAL PIECES * . . ' . . . i
Articles of Excommunication . . . . . i
The A.B.C. of Devotion . . . . , . . 4
Metrical Versions of Church Offices . . . . 5
Metrical Church Kalendar ...... . . 13
PROLOGUE, FOUNDATION, SECOND FOUNDATION . . 25
RECORD OF ESTATES BY COUNTIES AND PARISHES . . 33
BERKSHIRE DEEDS : Blewberry y . . . 33
Cumnor . . . . . . 34
Duxford ... . .... . 34
Knighton . . T . i . . . 38
North Moreton . . . . . . 40
Seacourt . ' 42
Wytham 44
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE DEEDS : Dinton . . . . 63
Ford i . . 67
Hughendon . ... . . . 73
Ickford ... . ... 74
Little Missenden . . . . . "78
Oakley . . . . V • ^ . 82
Turweston . . \ . ; ;.'; , . . 83
Westbury . ... 84
Wycombe. .' .. . 85
DORSETSHIRE DEEDS : Maiden Newton . . . 122
GLOUCESTERSHIRE DEEDS : Bourton-on-the-Hill . 128
Cherrington and Charlton . . . 129
Daglingworth . . • . . . 130
Duntisborne 134
Frampton-on- Severn. . 135
Gloucester ... . 138
Meysey Hampton . . . . 150
Pauntley 152
Little Kissington . . . . . 153
vi Contents
PAGE
GLOUCESTERSHIRE DEEDS : Tormarton . . . 158
Wiche . . . 160
HAMPSHIRE DEEDS : Empshott 162
Farringdon . . . . . . .165
King's Clere 168
Knowle 177
Winchester . . . . . . . 180
Woolverton . . . . . . .180
LINCOLNSHIRE DEEDS : System . . . . 183
MIDDLESEX DEEDS : London .... . 185
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE DEEDS : Bozeat . . . .188
Brackley .... . . . . 195
Evenley ;'^i . • ; . . . . 200
Halso ... . . . . • . 202
OXFORDSHIRE DEEDS : Asthalleigh . . . . 209
Banbury . . . . . . . 212
Begbroke ....... 213
Bletchingdon . . . . . .214
Bloxham ....... 226
Bould . . . . . . . . 237
Burleigh . . . ... . 239
Cassington . . . • . . . . 240
Cowley i . 319
Cutslow ....... 321
Easington . 321
Fawler . . . . . . . 326
Fencot ... . . . . 327
Garsington ....... 334
Hampton Gay ...... 338
Over Kiddington . . . . . . 340
Langford 341
Ledwell 349
Milcomb ....... 350
Milton 359
Minster Lovel ...... 362
South Newington ..... 362
Oxford -364
OXFORD CITY DEEDS : Controversy with Oseriey . . 365
Exchanges with St. Frideswyde's . . . 371
Miscellaneous parishes . . . . . 381
All Saints' parish . . . . . 402
St. Ebbe's parish .... . 414
St. Edward's parish ..... 415
St. Frideswyde's parish . . . .419
Contents vii
PAGE
UXFORD CITY DEEDS : St. Giles' parish . . 422
Holy well or Holy Cross parish . . .471
St. John's parish ...... 474
St. Mary's parish 475
St. Mary Magdalene parish .... 493
St. Michael's at North Gate parish . . 502
St. Michael's at South Gate parish . .512
St. Mildred's parish . . • * , '• .518
St. Peter-le-Bailey parish . . . . 526
St. Peter's in the East parish . . . 531
St. Thomas the Martyr's parish . . . 531
OXFORDSHIRE DEEDS : Rollright . . . . 532
Shillingford . . . . . , . 534
Shipton-under-Wychwood ...... . . 548
Shotover . . . . ; . . . 549
Great Tew ....... 550
Watlington ....... 569
Wolvercote . . . . . . . 570
SOMERSETSHIRE DEEDS : Lamyat .... 582
SUSSEX DEEDS : Bodington 589
WARWICKSHIRE DEEDS : Barton-in-the-Heath . . 596
WILTSHIRE DEEDS : Broad Blunsdon . . . . 599
Chalworth . . ... . . . 606
Cricklade . . . . • . . 607
Eastrop ....... 613
Highworth . . . . . 625
Sevenhampton . . . . . .627
Ufcot . . . . . .628
Watereaton . . ...... . 629
YORKSHIRE DEEDS : York . . . . . 639
SUPPLEMENTARY DEEDS : Piddle Athelampston, Dorset 640
Baldon, Oxfordshire ..... 640
Broad Enstone, Oxfordshire .... 640
Combe Mill 641
Horseford, Norfolk . .641
Humesworth or Hinnesworth . . 642
Petham, Kent ...... 642
Vleberne or Uleberne ... . 643
GENERAL CHARTERS OF BISHOPS, SOVEREIGNS, POPES . . 644
ADDITIONAL NOTES 684
INDEX I : PERSONS, PLACES, MATTERS .... 685
INDEX II : WORDS AND PHRASES . . . . . 697
FOREWORDS
Prefixed pieces.
THE first portion of the MS. is occupied with Englishings,
mostly in verse, of a number of those liturgical pieces which are
prefixed to most redactions of the Breviary. These suggest that
the writer had proposed to himself the Englishing of the whole
breviary, but abandoned his task in order to give the nuns of
Godstow an English key to their cartulary.
Commination service.
Of the first piece, most unfortunately, only the latter half is
preserved, two leaves at the beginning of the MS. having been cut
out. This is an English exposition, in many sections, of offences
which involved the greater excommunication. To each section is
added, in much abbreviated Latin, a reference to some authorita-
tive treatise in Canon Law, as a justification of the censure con-
tained in it. The authorities cited are the Decretals (1230), the
Clementines (1308), and the later Extravagants (cited as Extfra.),
with various Constitutions, e.g. those of the legate Octobon or
Othobon (1231) and of Archbishop John de Stratford (1343). The
citation is always by the first word of the particular head or
chapter referred to. Thus, in the fragment, the references to the
Clementines contain the citations: — Religiosi, i.e. lib. v, tit. vii,
cap. i; Cupientes inde, lib. v, tit. viii, cap. iii; and Gravis, lib. v,
tit. x, cap. ii. The citation from the Constitution of Stratford,
Accidit [novitate perversa], is found in the Provinciale lib. iii,
tit. xxviii. The tractate closes with the formula by which excom-
munication was pronounced on all persons guilty of the offences
specified, and on all who gave such offenders countenance or
support.
In the pre-Reformation church a Commination service of this
kind was publicly read four times in the year. Full information
on the subject will be found in Canon Christopher Wordsworth's
b
Commination service
admirable Salisbury Ceremonies and Processions (Cambridge, 1901).
Many redactions of the service are found in MSS. and have been
printed in liturgical treatises. Thus, one is found in E. Peacock's
Myre's Instructions to Parish Priests (E.E.T.S., 1902 revision),
pp. 60-7. In Canon Wordsworth's book, just cited, two copies
are printed, a shorter English one at pp. 44-6 and a much longer
Latin one at pp. 242-55. In contents and style the fragment here
printed has a general resemblance to both of these, but it is
possessed of greater dignity of tone, in virtue of laying less stress
on merely pecuniary offences in respect of tithes and offerings. Its
concluding formula also has a clause, vividly descriptive of the
ceremony of dashing out the light of the candle, which is strangely
absent from the long Salisbury Excommunicatio (Wordsworth, I. c.,
p. 244).
One section of this fragment, inasmuch as it touches on a matter
referred to in the Godstow deeds, may claim separate notice. We
have, in a severely condensed form, the well-known condemnation
of four trespasses committed by monks and friars, partly against
the jurisdiction of the parish clergy, partly against the authority
of the pope. These are (a) administering the sacraments of the
eucharist, extreme unction, and marriage, to parishioners, without
leave of the parish priest ; (6) granting, without licence from the
pope, absolution to persons excommunicate ; (c) pressing people to
appoint for the place of their burial a conventual church (as in
nos. 84 and 232) in preference to their parish church ; (d) threaten-
ing eternal punishment, as for perjury, to such as had agreed to be
buried in a conventual church but afterwards wished to withdraw
from their promise in order to be buried in their parish church.
The motive power in these last cases was the desire for fees for the
burial and accompanying services, and the possibility of permanent
endowment for such commemorative services, obits or chantries, as
will presently be described. In the Salisbury Articuli maioris
excommunicationis the section devoted to these four offences
occupies a page and a half of small print.
I owe the warmest thanks to Canon Wordsworth for his patience
and pains in instructing me as to these matters of liturgical
use and Canon Law, which lay altogether beyond the horizon of
my knowledge, and also for most valued information about the
kalendar and other matters, both liturgical and historical.
Devotional verses — Kalendar xi
Devotional verses.
The Commination service is followed by ten devotional pieces of
length varying from a single stanza to eleven stanzas. They are all
written in a stanza of seven lines ababbcc. Most of the lines
have five iambics, but a few have only four.
The first poem is an acrostic Invocation to the Cross. Its first
line begins with the symbol ffa, standing for the words ' 0 Cross ! ',
and is not included in the lettering. Twenty lines follow, being
the letters A— I, K-T, W. A fourth stanza completes the poem of
twenty-eight lines, This contains an oddly expressed reference to
the Title (on the cross) written by Pontius (Pilate).
Next come metrical expositions of several devotional exercises,
found prefixed to the breviary, viz. in this order, In nomine
Patris ; Pater noster ; Ave, Maria ; Credo ; Confiteor ; Misereatur
mei ; In manus tuas ; Benedic, Domine, joined with Agimus tibi
gratias ; Retribuere dignare : and the series is closed by a stanza
expanding a versicle of the Burial Office, Animae omnium Jldelium.
Prose versions of several of these are found in T. F. Simmons' s Lay
Folks Mass Book (E.E.T.S., 1879) and in H. Littlehales's Prymer
or Lay Folks Prayer Book (E.E.T.S., 1895-7).
The Kalendar.
A kalendar follows, arranged in four columns, written with
elaborate rubrications. These rubricated letters are here indicated
by heavier (Clarendon) type. In the MS. these letters are in some
places two lines high, in others four ; but it has been thought
enough to indicate this feature by brackets.
In the first column are placed the Golden Numbers, which pro-
vided a perpetual lunar kalendar. Sir Harris Nicolas's Chrono-
logy of History (1838), pp. 82-94, explains the method by which
these gave, for any year in Old Style, the day in each month on
which there was New Moon.
The second column gives the seven Dominical Letters, A-G,
which marked the days of the week. Their use is explained in
Nicolas, 1. c., p. 30. The year was classed according to the letter
of its first Sunday. In 1440, e.g., January 2 being a Sunday, the
year had B for its Dominical Letter.
b 2
xii Kalendar
In the third column we have the Roman kalendar, marked by
Kb (Kalends), N* (Nones), and Id? (Ides), as it is still given, for
convenience of reference, in the yearly issues of Whitaker's and
other Almanacs.
The fourth column contains the Church kalendar in metre.
The writer's object was to get in, on the right day, as many names
of fixed Holy Days as the trammels of metre and rime would
permit. Canon Wordsworth has pointed out to me that the kalen-
dar is pure Sarum, and that the mentions of Sixtus on Aug. 6
and of Donatus on Aug. 7, mark it as earlier than the introduction
(about 1457) °f Transfiguratio Domini on the former and of
Festum nominis lesu on the latter day. It is to be noticed that
in May, besides the fixed Saints' Days, four of the Movable Feasts
are given, Ascension, Whitsuntide, Trinity Sunday, and Corpus
Christi Day, on the 5th, I5th, 22nd, and 26th. This marks the
year as being of the type 'Almanac 6 ' in Augustus de Morgan's
Book of Almanacs (1871). The years of that type were 1407,
1418, 1429, 1440, 1502, 1513, 1524. Since the Register which
follows is of date 1450, the probability is that the versifier had
before him a kalendar constructed for the year 1440. Two other
Movable Feasts are brought in, Relic Sunday, which is the third
Sunday after Midsummer Day (June 24), and Advent Sunday,
which is the Sunday nearest St. Andrew's Day (Nov. 30). In this
kalendar, Relic Sunday is noted on July 12, and Advent Sunday
on Dec. i, a combination which cannot occur in any year. It
has been pointed out to me that the constructor of the kalendar,
in inserting Festum Reliquiarum or Adventus Domini, would merely
look out for those days nearest July 7 and Nov. 30 which com-
memorated no specially important saints, and then write in his
two feasts as best suited his verses. Open days for this purpose,
i.e. days not of obligation, are July 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, Dec. i, 2, 3.
I may note, however, that in 1443 Advent Sunday was on Dec. i,
and in 1444 Relic Sunday was on July 12. So that, for a novice
at kalendar-making, 1445 seems a likely date for the construction
of the kalendar.
Some minor points may be touched on. Gabriel the Archangel
is named on March 28, the usual day being March 26 ; but I learn
from Canon Wordsworth that there was much dispute as to the
day and the form of this commemoration. If the Utas (Octave)
Kalendar xiii
were to be taken strictly as the seventh day after the festival,
then the Utas of the Assumption (Aug. 20) is displaced, as also
the Utas of the Nativity of Mary (Sept. 10). 'In the Octaves'
was, however, vaguely used for any of the seven days after the
festival, a sufficient excuse for concessions to metrical require-
ments or to the rudder-power of rime. On September 15 we
seem to have invocation of the prayers of a martyr (unnamed).
Nicomedes commemorated on that day is not styled martyr, so
there may be a reference back to Cornelius et Cyprianus, Martyres,
whose commemoration on Sept. 14 is shut out by the mention of
Exaltatio Crucis. Edmund, canonized Archbishop of Canterbury,
is styled (Nov. 16), ' of Pounteney/ from Pontigny, the monastery
to which he was travelling to enter it as a monk when death cut
short his journey at Soisy. Etheldreda, June 23, has the addition
' of Ely ', the versifier remembering that she was patroness of that
minster. Botulph, singularly enough, occurs not only on his own
festival, June 17, but also on July 16, his trental (no. 99), mense,
or month's mind. It so happens that his appearance there provides
a handy rime for Arnulph (July 18), but one is unwilling to
suppose the versifier so beggared of invention as to be reduced to
this shift, and the query may be made whether he was connected
with some St. Botulph's church or convent.
The kalendar is written in the same seven-line stanza ababbcc,
as the poems which precede it. One line is strictly given to one
day, and, as a consequence, at the month's end, the stanza is
arbitrarily divided between the month ending and the month
beginning. To provide a line for the odd 365th day the last stanza
has eight lines, ababbcbc.
Some quaint things occur in this kalendar, and may be brought
together here. Dancing is insisted on, with some frequency, as
one of the joys of the saints in bliss : see Jan. 9, Feb. 1 5, June 2,
July 19, Sept. i, Oct. 14, 31, Nov. 12, 25, 28. Feasting occurs
just half that number of times: June 14, Sept. 23, 27, Nov. 21,
Dec. 28. Singing is brought in on Jan. 18, Oct. 14, Dec. 14; and
games on July 23. Special instruments of music are assigned to
certain saints, a harp to Leonard (Nov. 7), a psaltery to Theodore
(Nov. 9), and a lute to Brice (Nov. 13). There are two allusions
to flowers, May 9, Oct. 24; and possibly one to cherries, July 9.
Oct. 1 6, 17, have a strangely worded metaphor from riding. To
xiv The English Register of Godstow
the veneration of the saints is extended the custom of choosing
valentines, Feb. 17, 20, 26, Aug. 20, Oct. 29, Nov. 24; and even
a page's office in bearing up his lady's train, July 21.
The English Register of Godstow.
In 1404 there was compiled for the use of Godstow Abbey a Latin
cartulary, which is now in the Public Records Office (Exchequer :
King's Remembrancer ; Miscellaneous Books, volume 20) and may
be cited as the Exchequer MS. or the Latin Register. Soon after-
wards the Abbey found it convenient to have an English version,
which is now in the Bodleian Library (MS. Rawlinson B. 408), and
may be cited as the English Register. In the present edition all
the documents contained in this English MS. are given, with the
faithfulness to the MS. text and the care to mark its features letter
by letter which are looked for in the issues of the Early English
Text Society.
Although of somewhat late date (1450, with additions 1460-70),
this MS. is not without a claim to rank as a mile-stone of the
language. It stands by itself, in its own age, as an attempt,
deliberately begun and carried right through to the finish, to shake
off the fetters of Latin, and use English speech for English folk in
the management of English land. If we look to what follows, we
find it a far-off forerunner of the good sense of the Commonwealth
leaders, who, during their brief authority, caused the records of
manorial courts, which were so largely concerned with land-
transfers, to be kept in English. The final triumph of the principle
which was put forward by this English Register as early as
Edward IV was withheld till the reign of George I, when the
wearisome law-Latin, which had returned at the Restoration, was
finally laid aside.
Defects of the MS.
A perusal of the English Register showed that twelve of its
closely-written leaves had been cut out. This mutilation is later
than the old paging of the leaves by Roman numbers, but earlier
than the modern paging by Arabic numbers. A summary of the
missing deeds so far as they can be recovered from the Latin
Register has been given, in the places where they come in natur-
ally, but the gaps are not completely filled, because the Latin copy
Defects of the MS. xv
eiids imperfectly, some sheets at least being missing between its
last leaf (190, mismarked CO) and the fly-leaves. From these
fly-leaves notes have been taken, and made use of, about other
deeds, which explain heads in the Confirmation Charters that
were otherwise unaccounted for. When all has been done, however,
there are still some properties mentioned (e.g. the town of Oxford's
gift, 878 § 22 : rent-charges at Winchester, 902 § 59), about which
we have no deeds.
A minute examination of the English text showed scores of places
in which, even where the MS. was intact, there was plainly omission
or error of some sort. Comparison with the Latin has cleared up
most of these places, and accounted for the obscurity.
(A) Omissions of single words, of two or three words together,
even of whole lines, occur. These faults may possibly be set down
to a careless copyist.
(B) In other places, words were intruded which had no place
in the Latin. The translator had blundered, apparently by recollec-
tion of some name or fact in an allied deed, which had no place in
the deed he was then translating (e.g., no. 5).
(C) The Latin word had been misread, and so misrendered :
e.g. domo, being read dono (no. 672), was given as ' yifte' when it
should have been ' house ' ; and donum being read domum (no. 265),
was given as ' house ' when it should have been ' yifte '.
(D) The Latin is misrendered both in words and in construc-
tion. Thus, Henry II (886 § 42) gave Godstow, at Pattishall,
Northamptonshire, vaccaria cum pastura, a cow-house with attached
pasture-land. The translator, thinking of church matters, has made
this into the ' vicariage ', though, oddly enough, in Celestine Ill's
confirmation (902 § 37), he has not only the right meaning, but
apparently coins a word (the cowry) to express it. A dative
ecclesie taken is (no) as genitive, and translated 'of the church '
instead of ' to the church ', thereby darkening a whole paragraph.
(E) The translator not only Englishes, but abridges, and in so
doing falls into many snares. The Latin, retaining with the full
forms the / and my of the grantor, is in no danger of confusion
with the grantee, who is always in the third person. The translator
causes obscurity by making both grantor and grantee third persons,
and causes error by forgetting that the grantor is often a female.
Of him, to him, he, his, constantly usurp the place of the feminine
xvi Defects of the MS.— Arrangement of the deeds
pronouns. In at least one place (273), the opposite fault is found,
sche and here appearing where he and his ought to be read.
The linguistic analysis, which must come when the text is printed,
will tabulate these and other sources of error or confusion. Mean-
while, where such faults have hopelessly darkened the text, short
footnotes supply the required corrections.
(F) The translator has been especially careless in his dates.
He has thrown aside the approximate dates given in the lists
of witnesses1 to the earlier deeds, falling back on a parrot-like
repetition of the formula ' and is without date '. He has even added
this formula to several deeds which are dated. He has, in places,
put * Edward the son of king Edward ', i. e. Edward II, where the
right date must be, and is (in the Latin), ' Edward the son of king
Henry,' i.e. Edward I. It is much to be regretted that a text, in
itself so pithy, and possessed of so racy an English smack, has by
its faults occasioned many footnotes referring to what ought to have
been the superfluous Latin.
(G) In a few places the errors of the English copy come from
repeating the faults of the Latin. Thus, we have (568) an ' acre '
which measures 15 ft. X 26 ft.; but the Latin rubric also has
' acra ', a plain error for ' area '.
Arrangement of the deeds.
The compiler of the Latin Register had marked out for himself
a natural, and (in conventual cartularies) a usual, order : giving first,
the deeds connected with the foundation ; then, deeds connected with
the estates taken in alphabetical order; and lastly, the general
charters. This plan was faultily carried out. A good many
charters escaped his first search, and these were brought in at the
end, in an appendix whose bulk we cannot estimate because the
MS. ends imperfectly. No care was taken within each head to put
the deeds about estates into order of time. Among the general
charters, on the principle of putting the best foot first, the fullest
charter of a sovereign or of the pope was given precedence, and the
earlier charters made to follow it.
The writer of the English Register, since his main object was to
furnish the nuns with a key to the Latin Register, necessarily folio wed
1 The • Continuator ' who has added renderings of the deeds about Bozeat,
Langford, Wy tham, which are not in the Latin Register, does give the witnesses.
Arrangement of the deeds — History of the MS. xvii
its order (no. i). Some accident, however, when the sheets were
loose, has thrust portions of the estate-deeds out of their place in
the alphabet. The appendix, of places not included in the alpha-
betical series, has grown, in the English Kegister, to a formidable
length. It seemed better, therefore, when giving the deeds the per-
manence of print, to adopt for them a true alphabetical order, i. e. by
counties, and in each county, by parishes. This being decided on,
a further rearrangement seemed advisable, namely to put the deeds
in each compartment into true order of time, or, where they were
many or vague, to portion them out under some natural heads. The
gain in clearness is very great, and more than compensates for the
tedious marginal repetition of references to the leaves of the MS.
I cannot pass from this part of these forewords without expressing
my very great debt to my old friend and fellow- worker, Mr. Herbert
Hurst. He not only has made repeated visits to the Public Records
Office to look up doubtful places and obscure deeds in the Latin
original ; he has also most unselfishly put at my disposal his anno-
tated list of witnesses to the Oxford deeds, and given me the fruits
of his many years' observation of objects found in excavations at
Godstow. In fact, he has laboured for this edition as if it had
been his own, and given it the advantage of a local knowledge
which he alone possessed.
History of the MS.
In their original form, the number and nature of the evidences
of a religious house made them hard to consult. Each individual
holding, however small, had its own bundle of parchment deeds, of
all sizes, encumbered with seals. Such a bundle contained not
only the deed by which the property came to the convent, but
also necessary confirmations by the grantor's relatives and feudal
or ecclesiastical superiors, and, in many cases, the deeds which had
constituted his title to it (cp. nos. 381 and 508), also copies of
leases by which the convent had farmed it out, and records of
lawsuits which its possession had led to. If we think of a large
charter-chest containing some hundreds of such bundles, we
can imagine the difficulty of discovering at short notice any one
particular deed, and the certainty of displacement of deeds if the
bundles were frequently consulted.
This difficulty was surmounted by writing into a big parchment
xviii History of the MS.
book the more important of the deeds, in the order of the parishes
in which the properties lay. The provision of this Register or
Cartulary was often the benefaction of the head or some superior
officer of the monastery, and is found mentioned with just respect
as a gift not inferior to improvement of, or addition to, the
conventual buildings or estates. This was the case at Godstow.
Prefixed to the Table of Contents of the Latin Register is the
statement that the volume was compiled in 5 Henry IV, i4O4}
Margaret Mounteneye being then abbess, at the charges of, and by
the ' labour ' of, Alice of Henley, then prioress.
This Latin Register, being a necessary instrument for the
management of the estates, was taken into the Exchequer Office
when these were confiscated in 1540. It is a business-like volume,
a shade over 13 inches high by 9 inches wide, enclosed in two
stout wooden boards, which, after being enveloped in soft white
leather, were covered with a strong flexible black leather wrapper,
with a large flap to overlap the opening. The present make-up of
the MS. is (a) 4 fly-leaves with transcripts of deeds and other
jottings ; (6) 8 leaves of a good Table of Contents (absent from the
English Register) ; (c) leaves I to CLXXXIX followed by a leaf
wrongly marked CC ; (d) 4 fly-leaves, with jottings. Parchment-
slips are fastened by threads to several leaves. The last deed (no.
853 in this edition) on leaf CC ends in the middle of its list of
witnesses with et multis aliis, written as a catch-word. The
writing is the clear close hand of a professional scribe. The
utmost economy of parchment has been observed, the rubric of one
deed beginning wherever the text of the preceding deed ends.
The entire absence of interval suggests that, in the fifteenth cen-
tury, as miserly use was made of writing-material, as (in Tennyson's
phrase) of time in the nineteenth century ' when every hour must
sweat its sixty minutes to the death'. The initial letters are
slightly flowered, and have been rubbed over with a yellow pigment.
In the Exchequer, the volume came under the scrutiny of the
much-searching Oxford antiquary Brian Twyne, who made excerpts
from it (Twyne's MS. xxiv. 232-43 : AVood's Life and Times, iv.
216), which were used by Anthony Wood in the compilation of his
Survey of Oxford City.
The English Register carries us a step further. Its Prologue
quaintly tells, that the nuns, although inexpert at translating
History of the MS. xix
Latin, were keen managers of their estates. It was therefore
a vexation to them that they had to ask help from outsiders
when they wanted to know the exact terms of a deed in order to
give directions to their bailiff or rent-gatherer. For this reason ' a
pore hrodur and welwyller ' to the convent made an English key of
the Latin Register, Alice of Henley (see p. xxiv) being then abbess.
At the dissolution this English Register, being merely a duplicate
of the authoritative Latin Register, was allowed to pass into private
hands, possibly, in the first instance, of George Owen, Henry VIII's
physician, who acquired Godstow from the Crown. Early in James I's
reign we find it made use of by Brian Twyne, who has a few excerpts
from it in vol. xxi of his MS. Collections. About the same time
notes were taken from it by an otherwise unknown antiquary,
Randall Catherall, and these, in 1616, were copied (Wood's Life
and Times, ii. 354-5) by Robert Sanderson, afterwards Bishop
of Lincoln, as good an antiquary as he was logician and casuist,
but the destruction of his MS. Collections has 'robbed his chaplet
of a rose '. In whose hands the volume then was does not appear.
We next hear of the volume as owned successively by Sir James
Ware (died 1666); by Henry Hyde, 2nd earl of Clarendon (died
1709); by Dr. Richard Rawlinson (died 1755), who gave it, with
his other MSS., to the Bodleian. Rawlinson bought MSS. too
extensively to keep watch over the honesty of persons who brought
him MS. papers for sale. As a result, many scattered papers by
Anthony Wood, stolen from ill-guarded boxes in the Ashmolean
Library, came into his hands. Among these was Wood's rude
sketch (reproduced in Wood's Life and Times, i. 346) of Godstow
Nunnery taken from the East, 1666'. This, Rawliuson inserted
in the Godstow English Register.
The presence of this sketch in the volume has produced the mis-
leading belief that at one time the volume was Anthony Wood's.
As a matter of fact, Wood had never seen the English Register,
and knew of it only by Twyne's excerpts and by the Catherall-
Sanderson notes. This circumscribed knowledge led innocent
Anthony into a set of blunders, which it would have delighted
ill-natured Tom Hearne to expose, and which furnish an amusing
paragraph for the chapter that will tell of the pitfalls in which
antiquaries have been taken. Twyne hastily copied from Henry IPs
confirmation charters two passages which seemed to refer to Oxford.
xx History of the MS.
Henry II (879 §§ 29, 30) confirms to Godstow 'The chirche of
Dantesbourne with-oute the south-yate of Oxenford, one mansion
thatEylwyne fitz Godegose yaf with the pertynentis ', &c. He also
(886 § 47) confirms ' Of the yifte of henry of Oxenford one hide of
land in Walton Of the yifte of William Venirj one mylle and his
lond with-oute the north yate '. Wood, having justly the fullest
confidence in Twyne's accuracy, felt it necessary to bring both
statements into the topography of Oxford. Accordingly, in Wood's
City of Oxford, i. 416, ii. 47-8, Dantesbourne is treated at length
as an Oxford church, with conjectures as to the derivation of the
name and speculations as to how the church and parish had utterly
vanished from Oxford tradition. The mill also (ibid. i. 407-8)
appears as an Oxford mill, and, to supply motive-power to work it,
Wood magnifies the north ditch of Oxford into a river with full
stream. Reference to the charters in this edition will show that,
in the first case, the omission of a stop has moved Dantesbourne
from Gloucestershire into Oxford, and, in the second place, the
dropping of a line, after jumbling together the mill of Empshott in
Hampshire and the north gate of Winchester, has dumped down the
misleading product outside Oxford. A third error of Wood's is
less excusable. Finding in Twyne's notes that Boy-mill, east of
Oxford, was an early possession of Godstow (Wood's City of Oxford,
i. 402), he unhesitatingly adds that it ' continued to them till about
the time of their dissolution'. He forgets the exchange (no. 510)
made in 1358, which he must have come across in his perusal of the
cartulary of St. Frideswyde's Priory.
The English Register, like its Latin original, is a plain volume
for everyday use. It is a shade less than 13X9 inches, and its
rubrics are practically its only ornament. In this edition these are
indicated by heavier type. The handwriting of the English Register
is very similar to that of the Latin Register, and is clearly of not
much later date.
History of Godstow.
Godstow Abbey, begun (no. 2) in the last years of Henry I, was
consecrated, 113!, in tne beginning of Stephen's reign. The
foundress, Edyve Launcelene, a Winchester lady, became the first
abbess. Katherine Bulkeley, abbess at the dissolution, 1 540, appears
as twenty-fourth on the list (p. xxv), but this list is imperfect.
Site and buildings of Godstoiv xxi
The site chosen was an island about three miles from the north-
gate of Oxford, just inside the franchises or territorial jurisdiction
of that town. This island was bounded by two small branches of
Thames, but the main stream of Thames flowed past the next
island to it on the east, and came within a stone's-cast of the south-
eastern corner of the nunnery. On the first eastern rise of the
ground from the river-flats is the Oxfordshire village of Wolvercote
(nos. 767—78) ; right opposite, on the first western slope, is the
Berkshire village of Wytham (nos. 28-49). The seclusion of the
place is now destroyed by the towing-path which crosses the con-
ventual burying- ground, and skirts a canal formed by widening the
eastern boundary-stream.
In summer-days Godstow was no doubt, as it is now, a pleasant,
as well as a quiet, spot. But in wet weather, although the island
itself is just above flood-level, dreary stretches of submerged meadow
must have lain round it on all sides. In 1540, it is recorded
(Monast. iv. 370) that 89 acres of demesne-meadow, presumably
hard by the abbey, were liable to flood. At the present day raised
causeways and long foot-bridges of planks ought to suggest to
summer visitors the regular winter flooding of the eastern and
western approaches.
About the buildings very little is said in the Register. The
consecration charter (no. 4) passes a high encomium on the
foundress Edyve, ( that noble modyr, that with hyr propur labour,
costys, and almys, edified the sayd churche ... fro the fyrst ston.'
Here, ( church ' means the whole range of conventual buildings as
they stood at the dedication in 1139. The translator, however,
in cutting short the bishop's long-winded Latin, has left out an
essential part of one clause, which mentions contributions from
contemporaries of the foundress. ' Almys,' above, in the English
is so put as to appear a description of Edyve's own gift : but the
Latin is c collatisque fidelium elemosinis '. At the same time we
may readily allow that Edyve's contribution was a considerable one.
She was the only child of wealthy parents. Even supposing her
son to have taken his father's estate to Abingdon abbey when he
became a monk there, Edyve had her own patrimony to bestow on
Godstow when she and her two daughters became nuns.
The great conventual church (no. 6) was perhaps a later structure
than the 1 139 fabric. Its western tower stood till the great gale of
xxii Site and buildings of Godstow
Jan. 1,1764 (Hurst's Oxford Topography, 1 899, p. 1 1 9). According
to local tradition the stones were then used to make a new road
to Wytham. At the City Public Library, Oxford, are preserved
three pieces of stone-carving from Godstow. Two of them are of
the Early English period, somewhat late in the style with delicate
dog-tooth ornament. No authentic drawing shows elaborate work
on the tower, so they perhaps came from the interior of the church.
These two fragments were recovered from the eastern arch of Toll
O
Bridge near Godstow. The third fragment was fished out of the
river not far from the south-east angle of the convent. It is of
a different kind of stone, and the foliage on it may confidently be
dated about 1260-80.
By the side of the great church, stood a range of buildings, dis-
tinct from the convent proper, which tradition calls The Guesten
Hall. Here probably we are to look for those rooms which were
assigned to aged servants and others who had obtained (no. 608)
corrodies from the abbey.
In the 1885 excavations a few bits of Decorated moulding were
unearthed. We may conclude that, at Godstow, as elsewhere, build-
ing operations, in the shape of repairs, rebuildings, additions went
on throughout its history, each age leaving its impress on the fabric.
The most conspicuous extant fragment of the convent proper is
the domestic chapel at the south-east corner, whose walls still show
the nuns' entrance from the convent enclosure and an entrance from
outside for such visitors as were allowed to attend the services.
This is of fifteenth-century work, and its eastern window even of
slightly later date, possibly altered and beautified, as Mr. Hurst
thinks, by a benefaction of Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester
1500-28.
In the deeds the conduit, which supplied the convent with water,
is the building which receives most notice (nos. 28T3o). A note
attached (pp. 45, 46) to these deeds describes the conventual fish-
ponds and the stream which served them.
The chapter-house is mentioned (nos. 6, 153, 180) as the room
where business was discussed and the abbey seal attached to deeds.
It has so completely disappeared that its site is matter of mere guess.
The refectory or dining-hall, in these deeds called the ' froiture ',
and the kitchen, are mentioned in connexion with the ' pittances ',
or special dining-allowances, which will presently be noticed.
Site and buildings of Godstow xxiii
The froiture occurs, nos. 374-6; the kitchen, nos. 249-50, 845,
859, 865.
The ' infirmary' is the recipient of special benefactions to promote
the comfort of sick nuns (52, 250). It also owned lands in St. Giles's,
Oxford, nos. 536, 619, 630, which probably came to it by special
bequest, though the gift of them is not recorded.
The burial-ground lay along the very brink of the eastern
boundary-stream. In 1885—6 this stream was widened some feet
on both sides, and the old lock, at the point where it joined the
main stream of Thames, was enlarged to enable boats more easily
to go up beyond Godstow. In the excavations then made, over
twenty stone coffins and some eight oak coffins were unearthed, and
reburied somewhat nearer the convent wall. The crosses on the lids
of the stone coffins were of three types, belonging to different ages.
The ends of some were of a plain spade-shape ; of others, square with
slight tracery in the inner corners ; of others, cross-croslets : i. e.
~UL_
_nr~
Large numbers of encaustic tiles were then dug up, telling of
highly ornamented floors ruthlessly torn up and buried in holes.
Eighty pieces, carefully examined, showed fifty different patterns.
The coarseness of the clay of some assigned them to the twelfth
century. Among the emblems was a crowned lion, passant gardant
from the left, whose archaic form suggested the reign of Stephen.
Some of the fleurs-de-lis were also of a type as early as Henry II's
time. A favourite tracery was a cross within a quatrefoil, both
of very varied types, suggesting long intervals of time between their
making. The colours showed many combinations, yellow on brown,
yellow on brown and grey, yellow on red, olive on brown and black,
dark red on yellow, &c. Mr. Hurst has some of these in his
possession, and has copied in colours many others in his large MS.
collections for Oxford.
The dwelling-house, into which the nunnery had been converted,
was burnt down, May 23, 1645, during the operations connected
with the siege of Oxford.
xxiv Site and buildings of Godstow
The walls which now show at Godstow are chiefly of two dates.
During the civil war, perhaps in the winter of 1642, much of the
buildings was pulled down to provide material for a wall, loop-holed
for musketry, which extended from close by the west gate to the
stream which supplied the fish-ponds, so enclosing a field protected
on north and east by wall, and on west and south by the stream.
These loop-holes have since been built up, but the newer masonry
shows their position (Hurst's Oxford Topography, p. 1 1 9).
At a later period, most of what remained of the buildings was
pulled down to convert the nunnery-quadrangle into a large
enclosure with sheds for cattle. Built into a cow-house which stands
at the south-west angle are two pieces of Norman work, presumably
of Stephen's age. The east wall of the enclosure is capped with
several stones, apparently of carved work, but the mason has put
their backs outside.
Abbesses of Godstow.
It will be convenient to have a corrected list of abbesses, with the
dates at which they are mentioned.
Edyve, the foundress, 1135-86.
E., second abbess (once mentioned, no. 203).
Agnes, died 1195 or 1196; see no. 713.
Juliana, 1197-1210.
Felicia (or Aunphelice) de Bade, 1216-30.
Flandryne, occurs 1242, deposed 1248.
Emma (or Emyne) Bluet, 1248-66.
Isold de Derham, 1270—2.
Rose Oxhay, 1280.
Mabel Wafre, 1284-94.
Alice Gorges, 1296—1304.
Maud Upton, 1306-15.
Margery Dyne, 131 8-3 2 .
Maud Beau champ, 1338.
Agnes Streteley, 1350-73.
Margery Tracy, 1375.
Margaret Mounteneye, 1386-1404.
Elizabeth Felmersham, 1412.
Agnes of "Wytham, 1425.
Alice of Henley, 1464.
Members of Godstoiv — Nuns1 portions xxv
Katharine Field, 1480-93.
Isabel of Braynton, 1494.
Margaret of Tewkesbury, 1518.
Katherine Bulkeley, alias Bewmaris, 1535-40.
Prioresses of Godstow.
The prioress acted as head of the convent in the absence of the
abbess (790), and in cases where the abbess was a party to the
business (659), and therefore could not act. Very few names occur.
Emma and Havis, daughters of the foundress, are said (2) to
have been the first and the second to hold this office. Laura of
Hakington, prioress (659) in 1294, was a benefactress (660). Alice
of Henley, prioress in 1404, paid for the compiling of the Latin
Register (p. xviii).
Nuns and their dower.
Godstow was founded (2) for twenty-four nuns. The inmates at
the dissolution were short of that number. It often happened that
several ladies of the same family were nuns at Godstow at the same
time, as e.g. two or more sisters (291), mother and daughters (2,
232), aunts and nieces (32). There is an instance of a wife leaving
her husband to enter the convent (25).
A nun, at her admission, brought to the convent her portion,
exactly as she would have taken it to a husband, if she had married.
Such portions formed a constant, and at times a not inconsiderable,
addition to the endowment of the convent, which thus grew, like
the coral islands, by the additions made by its inmates.
The sum of £13 65. 8d. seems in one place (531) put forward as
the amount sufficient for a nun's portion, a woman there bargaining,
possibly with her guardian, that ' whan she wold entir religion ' he
should give her ' xx. marke into subsidie '. In place of payments
in money we find a great variety of equivalents. In some cases the
relatives provided for the nun, by bestowing on Godstow a pension
from a church in the patronage of the family, with the reversion of
the patronage. Dantesborne church, Gloucestershire, was given
(*54-5) by the Bloets because they had 'sette there her sistur to
serue God and seint lohn '. A deed printed in Monasticon, iv. 365,
shows that the occasion of Simon of Wahel's gift (878 § 14) of
xxvi Nuns9 portions
the moiety of Pattishall church, Northamptonshire, was the sending
of his two daughters Mary and Cicely to be nuns at Godstow at the
time of the foundation (4). In 1214 (ibid.) Bishop Hugh of Wells
ordained in Pattishall church a perpetual vicarage, of which Godstow
was to have the patronage and, of course, its own half of the
rectorial revenue. In 1540 (ibid. p. 376) Godstow drew £5 65. Sd.
from Pattishall rectory, out of which it had to pay £i to the deacon
who served in the church. Rent-charges were a common provision
for ladies taking the veil. We have ' ii. shelyngworthe of rent ' in
Tormarton, Gloucestershire, as the portion (193) of Alice of Muton;
a rent-charge on a mill, as the portion (863) of a daughter of Peter
of Brimelingham ; and ' one marke of rente in Oxenforde ' brought
(517—19) by Maud Durand, widow, when she 'toke the habit of
religion*. Most frequent of all are grants of houses and land.
When the wife of the squire of Seckworth took the veil, she
brought (25) to the convent a meadow and the tithe of her husband's
two mills. 'The isle* at Godstow itself came (767) with Agas of
Euerci. Middle-ei, a meadow at Wytham, was acquired (32) with
three daughters of the lord of Wytham, and other five acres of
meadow with their two nieces. The meadow at Petham (864) came
with a daughter of Alan of Leigh. Hugh of Great Tew gave
(513-14) * ix. shillings-worth ' of land, in Oxford, with his daughter.
At Winchester, Godstow got land and houses as the dower (236)
of Robert of Meisi's daughter, and a rent-charge (237) as that of
Odelena St. Quintin. Lands at Bletchingdon, Oxfordshire, were
the portions of two daughters (291) of Roger of St. Amaury ; of
a daughter (290) of Walter of Perry; and (292-3) of a daughter
of Robert son of Nigel. Lands in Gloucestershire came through
Isabel of Bourton (144) and Agatha of Teyden (187). In Wiltshire
Godstow acquired property with Alice of Venuj (202) and with
Rohaye la baanc and her daughter Cecily (232). In All Saints
parish, Oxford, ' one selde, with a stalle afore and a celere undir '
provided for Mariote Hore (560). Ralph Chendut took something
off the price (76) which Godstow paid for ( the land called Anfric '
in Buckinghamshire in consideration of Godstow's making his
Bister-in-law Kate 'mynchon in the monasteri of Godstowe with
the costys of the hows '.
Special foundations at Oodstow — Corrodies xxvii
Special foundations at Godstow.
This seems a suitable place to bring together some notices of
matters connected with Godstow, which are of no value when they
are scattered about in the separate deeds, but when collected into
one place explain some features of conventual life — viz. the
corrodies, the obits, the chantries : to which may be added a few
special benefactions.
Corrodies at Godstow.
We have several instances of corrodies, that is, of grants of board
and lodging for life-term by the abbey in return for the surrender
of the applicant's estate to the convent. There were two grades of
corrody, one giving the status, dress, and food of a nun, the other
the place and allowances of a servant. On surrender (652) by
Alice Southam of her property in St. Mary's parish, Oxford,
Godstow gave her * a corodye of i mynchon for euer in the abbey of
Godestowe '. Stephen, son of Warin the miller (530), conveyed his
Oxford property to Godstow, on the abbey undertaking to pay his
debts, and granting 'to hym and to his wyf Molde, with ther
seruant to serve them while they lived, two corrodies of ii.
mynchons, and a corrodye of one seruant to ther susteynynge '.
Part of the buildings at Godstow (possibly The Guesten Hall:
p. xxii) may have been set aside to provide rooms for women and
aged men admitted on this footing. Alison of Walton, on surrender
(608) of meadow-land, was granted ' to the terme of her lyf i
chambre to dwelle in, the which John masun first enhabited in '.
The corrody granted to servants sometimes provided for continuance
of service to the abbey. Ralph ben, of Bloxham, surrendered his
lands and divested himself of power to make a will, obtaining (314)
in return a grant of * mete and drynke as longe as he leuyd in her
hows of Godestowe, or where so euer he were, in there fre service,
also halfe a marke of syluer yerly ', on condition of never being
' convicte uppon ony cryme or trespas '. Richard Grene, of
Cassington, surrendered (420) his lands in return for 'the seruyce
under the porter for ever at the yate of Godestowe, and i half mark
in the name of his wagis yerely '.
C 2
xxviii Corrodies and their analogues — Anniversaries
Corrodies and their analogues.
Such corrodies by a religious house had their counterpart in like
grants of maintenance for life-term made by private persons in
return for surrender of lands. At Meysey-Hampton Robert Senle
and his wife Isabel sold (181) their lands to one John, promising
as part payment 'to the same John resonable necessaries of the
frutes of the said lond al so longe as he lived, in metis and drynkes
and in howses of the forsaid lond'. Similarly, Hugh paumer,
taking over (531) the Oxford property of Agnes Aunfrey, promises
to ' fynde the forsaid Anneys worshipfully, al so longe as she lived,
in vitaile, clothyng, and shoyng, and in all other necessaries, so
that the forsaid Anneys shold redely serve the forsaid Hugh, as
she did afore, tille she willed to translate herself into religion '.
We find also lands conveyed both to Godstow and to individuals,
subject to life-grants to the seller. Cecilia Perle surrendered
(700) to Godstow her interest in certain lands, on condition that
the convent gave her ' every yere, al so longe as she lived, iii. marke
of siluer [£2] and one lyverey of ther house of charite to be take '.
To the purchase-money of lands which he sold (3.52) in Cassington,
John of Wotton added that for his lifetime he should receive yearly
' i paire hosen of the price of ii. shillings at Mighelmasse '. Alice
Fitchet selling land (618) to Hugh of Walton asked £i down, an
annuity to herself of is., and a quit-rent to herself and her heirs of
2d. a year.
Obits, or anniversaries, at Godstow.
A very frequent bequest was for the endowment of an inter-
cessory service for the testator's soul on each anniversary of his
decease. In addition, that the nuns might have a personal interest
in the service, a ' pittance ' was provided for on that day, that is,
an allowance to better the fare of the community at dinner in the
dining-hall.
The obits, of which we have notice at Godstow, are twenty-four
in number.
Of those which were still observed at the dissolution in 1540
(Monast. iv. 370-5), we may distinguish the following sets, according
to the nearer or remoter connexion of the founder with Godstow.
A nniversaries xxix
(A) Obits founded by members of the community. Mabel Wafre,
abbess, made provision for her own obit (659, 660), by a charge
on property in Oxford. The deeds about the purchase of lands at
Great Tew give a great many particulars about the property, but
the most important deed, which specified the donor of the money
and the purpose she intended the estate for, is missing. We learn,
however, from Monast. iv. 372, that the donor was Margery Dyne,
abbess, who thus provided for the commemoration of herself, of
prioress Laura de Hakynton, a benefactress (p. xxv), and of two
benefactors, John Trulowe and John Walweyn (possibly John
Trillawe and John of Bloxham), of the Great Tew deeds (740-63).
In the same way the voluminous Cassington deeds are yet without
the deed which contained the information that part of the purchase-
money was provided by Isold of Derham, abbess, to endow an
anniversary for herself (Monast. iv. 372).
(B) Obits founded by former officers or servants of the community.
Here, we have to bring in the obit of Gilbert of Biham (373, 376),
chaplain of Godstow and incumbent, on Godstow's presentation
(788), of the church of Lamyat. Also, the obit of William, called
variously ' master ' or ' keeper ' (magister, custos) of Godstow
(374-5), whose office would be 'master of the chapel', i.e. priest
in chief charge of the services of the conventual church. John,
the baker (pistor) of Godstow, provided an obit for himself (421),
by a charge on lands in Cassington.
(C) Of obits founded by outsiders, we naturally find some
established by Oxford residents, Maud Halegod (677) and Maud
Perle (699). But there are several whose founders have no special
connexion with Godstow, that can now be discovered. Ela,
Countess of Warwick, founded an obit (Monast. iv. 371), but the
deed of foundation is missing. Pain of Chaworth gave a rent-
charge (139) in Dorsetshire to provide obits for his mother and
his mother s mother. Wido of St. Valerie, by a rent-charge at
Knighton, Berkshire, endowed (16-18) an obit for his father.
Other endowments of obits were by Simon Lovel, by land at Ufcot
(845) in Wiltshire; by Kalph Harang, by rent-charge at Bozeat
(249-52) in Northamptonshire ; by Roger of Writele, by lands at
Broad Blunsdon (809-10) in Wiltshire. The obit of John Veiscele
(misgiven as John de la Westle in Monast. iv. 372) was signalized
(475) by the requirement ' of charite euery yere, in the day of his
xxx Anniversaries — Chantries
annyuersary, to fede xiii. poore men', and endowed by a rent-
charge on lands in Ledwell in Oxfordshire.
(D) One obit came to Godstow as rector of one of its churches.
Adam, son of Walder, of Wy combe, Buckinghamshire, when found-
ing an obit for himself in Wycombe church made provision (101-2)
for its occasional observance at Godstow.
Of some few obits we have what appear to be the foundation-
deeds, but there is no mention of their observance at the dissolution.
Agas Pille gave a rent-charge in Holy well, Oxford, to provide (635)
a pittance on her anniversary. Henry, son of Ailwy, gave a rent-
charge (244) in London, for a similar purpose. Another was
founded by Muriella Eohun (859) ; and Thurstan Despencer, in
1234, endowed an obit for his father Almaric and another for his
son Almaric (860, 865).
Chantries at, or in the patronage of, Godstow.
The chantries were fewer in number, but of much greater
importance. Here the testator gave property enough to provide
for the maintenance of daily services for ever, in intercession for
certain specified souls.
In 1275 Thomas of Sanford, or Stanford (for both spellings are
given), gave property in St. Giles's parish, Oxford, to provide (595)
for ' the susteynyng of the masse of oure ladye seynt Marye at the
auter of the blissid virgyne in the monastery of Godestowe every
day to be sunge', for the souls of himself, his kindred, and his
benefactors.
Ela, Countess of Warwick, who died 1297, was commemorated
(Monast. iv. 370) by two chaplains saying mass in Godstow chapel
daily for her soul, but the deed founding this chantry is missing.
The chief chantry of which these deeds contain notice was that
instituted to say daily offices for the souls of Adam, son of Walder,
of Adam's wife, and of Walder and his wife, in "Wycombe church,
which brought to Godstow considerable property in that parish.
The two deeds (101-2) connected with that foundation are full
of information about the nature and intention of such chantry
services.
In another Godstow church, that of Great Tew, there was an
endowed chantry, of which we have a slight notice (246-8).
Commemoration — Special gifts to Godstow xxxi
Commemoration of benefactors.
Many benefactors, instead of instituting a chantry, asked for per-
petual mention in the ordinary services of Godstow church. This
was done (809), e. g. by Roger of Writele, who gave lands on condi-
tion that ' the foreseyde abbas and mynchons receyvyd specially hys
sowle, and the sowlysof Anneys and of Isabel his wyfys, (his) fadurs
and modurs sowlys, and of all his benefeturs, in all her suffrages,
prayers, alinys, and vigils for euyr '. A like request was made by
Joan of Turvile, for her grant (24) at North Moreton, Berkshire ;
by William Bucktot, for a benefaction (106) in Wycombe ; and by
William son of Peter of Kersynton, for lands (409) in Cassington.
This commemoration in the prayers of the convent is sometimes
demanded by a feudal superior, in recompense of withdrawing an
action to enforce some feudal right, or otherwise surrendering such
right (e.g. 103, 152, 238). The chief example is concerned with
the obligation of Godstow, as owners of Watereaton manor, to pay
suit to the Court of High worth (or la Stapel) hundred. One deed
(853), in which the owner of the hundred court surrenders his
claim for a substantial sum of money, was perhaps a bargain
cancelled by another deed (854), in which he concludes, not for
money, but for mention in the conventual prayers.
S2>ecial gifts to Godstow.
There is mention (91) of a gift of cakes on St. James's day
(July 25), of the donor of which we have no notice, nor any reason
why the day and saint should have special distinction at Godstow.
The provision (659-60) for the better keeping of St. Margaret's
day (July 20) was very meet for the honour of the patroness
(Wood's City of Oxford, i. 329, ii. 43) of Binsey, where Edyve had
waited (no. 2) for the token which directed her to Godstow.
June 24, the Nativity of St. John Baptist, the patron saint of
Godstow, had, by gift of a countess of Clare, an endowment (737—8)
to provide wine, a mark of honour not altogether appropriate to
a saint who ' came neither eating nor drinking '.
A very quaint gift (862) is that of Margery Cressy, widow, who
bestowed five ' cartlode of aldur ', yearly, in the first fortnight of
October, that the nuns might ' drye their heryng '.
xxxii Special gifts to Godstow — Estates of Qodstow
The endowments (105, 139, 556, 644) made for the homely
purpose of providing clothing for the nuns, bear out the contention
of some early deeds (493) that the nunnery was poor.
' Pittances,' payments to provide a better table on a given day,
were generally bargained for by the founders of obits (373-5, 809,
845, 859). The convent, also, out of its savings, with the consent
of the bishop, bought land (366) to amend its poor fare. One
benefaction (250) made very special provision for the severe
season of Lent.
Estates of Godstow.
Two questions present themselves. How large were the estates ?
and how acquired ?
In 1291, by order of Pope Nicholas IV, a survey was made of
the annual revenues of English churches. Godstow was then, after
a century and a half of getting (1139-1291), put down as worth
yearly £128 35. 8%d. The odd halfpenny testifies to the minute-
ness of the survey, and recalls the English grumble about Norman
William that his Domesday survey left not out one pig. More than
two centuries and a half later, 1535 (26 Henry VIII), the king,
having in his mind the confiscation of the savings of the piety of
five centuries, ordered a similar survey. Godstow estates (Monast.
iv. 360) were, after deducting fixed charges, valued at £258 105.
6^d. yearly. Making full allowance for the much greater pur-
chasing power of money, this is clearly no extravagant sum for the
maintenance of abbess and twenty-four nuns; for the salaries of
the chaplains who served the conventual church, and of the officers
who managed the estates ; for the repairs of the buildings ; for the
wages of porter, under-porter, and other servants ; and for the
hospitalities and almsgivings of a religious house.
This conclusion, arrived at on general grounds, is confirmed by
a detailed perusal of the deeds in the Kegister. Godstow at no time
received any great benefaction. Even where much land appears to
be given, the land was really held by freeholders or by copyholders
at certain fixed rents, and yielded to the convent, the nominal owner,
only a small annual income.
The deeds, as we have them, do not permit of anything like
a full history of Godstow lands. There are obvious gaps in them.
Properties are mentioned as belonging to Godstow, of whose
Estates of Godstow xxxiii
acquisition there is no trace. Other properties are mentioned once,
and never again, but there is no record of alienation. Taking the
deeds as a whole they stop short on some estates by a century, on
others by a century and a half, of the dissolution. At the same
time, the general result is to confirm the popular opinion of the
tenacity with which a religious house retained its property. Most
of the holdings mentioned as belonging to Godstow in 1139, 1145,
1156, 1165, 1182, 1192, can be traced in the 1535 and 1540
surveys, and in the case of some others, the reason for their absence
can be assigned.
As regards the means by which the estates were acquired, we
have only indirect evidence, but when the several items are put
together, that evidence is by no means obscure.
There is only one frank statement of an increase of property,
made from mere sympathy with the nuns. Property at Gloucester
is said (177) to have been bought with ' fowre and twenty marke of
syluer' (£16), the gift of a no wble- woman, dame royse la moyne
i-callyd, to the more plentyfull susteynyng of the sayde monastery
in tyme comyng '. Almost all other considerable gifts are subject
to some burden of maintenance of ladies taking the veil (p. xxv), or
of providing chaplains to say masses for the souls of the donors
(pp. xxviii> xxx), leaving only a small margin of profit to the convent.
Points of connexion with English history.
It is a common experience with people who have gone through
a long series of documents connected with property that they have,
at the end of their search, hardly any references to public events.
This is not the case with these Godstow deeds. Allusions to con-
temporary events, if slight and indirect, are at least numerous, and
capable of being arranged in a sort of narrative.
The Norman conquest.
The Norman conquest overwhelmed England by a ruling caste
of foreigners, and it was long before the native stock reasserted
itself. The foundation of Godstow stands near enough to the
conquest to have some reflection of this state of affairs in the
Register. In the earliest of the deeds we find Norman sovereigns
and barons speaking of the French element as of first importance
in England. The Empress Maud, and her son Henry II, make
xxxiv The Norman conquest — Scutage
known their pleasure (nos. 87, 718, 874^6, 879) to their 'trew
men, Frenssh and Englissh, of all Englond'. So also Herebert
of St. Quintin (237) and Bernard of St. Valerie (5). Some-
what later, the balance seems turned, and the natives have at
least verbal precedence. About 1190, Henry Doylly, Lord
Constable, addresses himself (520) HO all his men and frendes,
Englissh and Frenssh '.
The Norman civil war.
The changing fortunes of the war of the Norman succession are
seen in the calculated fickleness with which Godstow assigns the
credit of its earliest privileges and properties, first (no. 4), to
Stephen, 1139; then (718, 874—6), to Maud, lady of England,
1141-4; and finally (878), to Maud and Henry II, 1156. The
slackening of the bonds of feudal society by the war may be
guessed from Henry IPs order, 1160, empowering (882) Godstow
to seek out and retake possession of those of its serfs who had
escaped from its control since Henry I's death in 1135.
Henry ITs reign.
Henry U's land-tax, imposed in 1159 in lieu of personal dis-
charge -by landowners of their feudal obligation to military service,
long cast its shadow over Godstow tenures. It was clearly re-
garded as a new thing, whose scope was not fully understood, and
whose results might prove over-burdensome. Accordingly, land-
owners, in parting with even small portions of their property,
habitually stipulated that those portions should pay their full share
of scutage when the king demanded it. A strip of land at
Bletchingdon was granted (300) subject to a yearly quit-rent of 2d.
in lieu of all claims ' savynge the outward seruice, that is to sey,
id. whenne the scuage rennythe or happenyth*. When Godstow,
about 1280, bought three virgates at Cassington, the vendor bar-
gained (405) that Godstow should do ' for the forsaid iii. yerd-
londis foreyn service, that is to sey, scuage as moche as longeth to
be do for iii yerde-londes, after more or lesse, whan that scuage
happenyth to rynne in the reame of Englond '. At Thrupp, about
1250, we have (384) the reservation 'sauyng the kyngis seruyce,
that is to sey, whan that he axeth generall scuage of Englond '.
Elena, Lady Zouche of Ashby, displays exceptional generosity, in
Scutage — Odd dates — Fair Rosamond xxxv
1279, expressly declaring (276) her grant of land to be ' free and
quiet of scuage '. As late as 1314, in an agreement (429) with
Sir Michael of Meledon, Godstow acknowledged liability for ' the
seruyce of ii. partis of one knyght's fee, that is to sey, whan the
ecuage rynneth to xls., ii. mark [= £i 6s. 8d.], and to more, more,
and to lasse, lasse '.
Odd dates.
To Henry II's reign belonged the practice of dating by reference
to a particular past event, as is witnessed by the series of the
earliest fines, July, 1175-8. In the Godstow deeds, Henry II's
struggle with Becket is commemorated by two such dates. About
1168, at Empshott, Hampshire, an acknowledgement (203) of a
debt has this for its mark of time : — ' The forsaid William borowed
the forsaid iiii. mark, the same yere that the strif was bitwene
kyng Henry the second and the cardenales that were I-sent fro
Rome to reconsile Thomas the archebisshope with the forsaide kyng/
An Oxford lease (572) is dated as 'the xxxv. yere fro the deth of
seynt Thomas of Caunterbury I-begunneJ, i.e. 1205, Becket's
murder being Dec. 29, 1170. It must, however, be noted that in
the original Latin the years are somewhat obscurely expressed,
viz. xx|xv which may be xx corrected to xv, and not xxxv as the
translator has taken it. ' xv years' would be 1185. Another
of Henry II's troubles, the insurrection of Robert de Beaumont,
3rd earl of Leicester, is mentioned in a Bloxham deed (313),
whose one mark of time is ' post decessum exercitus Leicestrie '.
In the pipe-roll of 19 Henry II, pp. 58, 107, 173, 178, payments
are found for the army which Richard de Lucy and earl Reginald
of Cornwall took to besiege Leicester in July, 1173. The Bloxham
deed would therefore be of 1174. I have to thank Dr. R. L. Poole
for giving me the clue to this system of dating, and keeping me
clear of erroneous guesses.
Fair Rosamond.
Popularly, Godstow was known chiefly as the retreat and burial-
place of Henry II's leman, Rosamond Clifford. Her history, long
a favourite theme of ballad-singer, story-teller, chronicler, and
black-letter moralist (Wood's Life and Times, i. 341-3), has now
obtained an assured place in letters through Tennyson's A Dream
of Fair Women. We find her father (nos. 156, 200) bestowing
xxxvi Fair Rosamond — Re-foundation
property for the health of her soul, about 1180 ; and her brother
(158) enlarging this gift, about 1190. It is possible that Henry
II's re-foundation of the nunnery under the direct patronage of
the Crown and the grant of his third charter may be due to the
shelter it gave, in life and death, to Fair Rosamond.
Re-foundation.
When first founded in Henry I's time, Godstow was built on
a site (3, 4) bought from, or given by, John of St. John, lord of
Wolvercote and Stahtonj who retained for himself and his heirs
both the patronship of the abbey, and the feudal lordship of
Wolvercote (the vill in which it stood). In 1180 these rights
rested in Bernard of St. Valerie by his marriage with Avoris,
daughter and heiress of John of St. John. In that year, however,
Bernard (5, 886, 892) transferred them to Henry II, by a ceremony
which I cannot explain, ' of a silken cloth, whereof was a chesible
I-made ' (' per pannum sericum unde facta est casula '), ' so that the
forsaid abbey should be free for ever, and [held] in chief of the
crown, as ... other riall abbeyes that ben I-sette in Englond.'
Henry II then confirmed to Godstow its former estates, arid added
fresh ones.
Reign of Henry III.
Henry III made two expeditions into Gascony, 1242, 1253.
One or other of these got into the shibboleth of the law-courts as
a formula for an indefinite date in past time. In 141 2, in a precept
(802) of Henry IV to the sheriff of Warwickshire, reference is
made to a complaint by the abbess of Godstow that 'Robert
Clynton and John Raves, unrightfully and without iugement,
disseised her of her fre tenement in Barton-henmersh, aftir
the goyng of kyng Henry the sone of kyng John into Guyan'.
The editors of Dugdale's Montisticon (1846) have taken this as
evidence that the precept was of 13 Henry III and so put the
abbess mentioned in it, Elizabeth Felmersham, into the list at
1229, nigh two centuries before her time. The election, 1256, of
Henry Ill's brother, Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to be King of the
Romans has given an odd date to one of his Oxfordshire deeds
(361), ' The date at Bekkele, tne xx. day of Janyvere, the xiii. yere
of his reigne.' At Henry Ill's death, the uncertainty which still
attached to the succession is seen in the dating of a Wiltshire
Henry III — The subsidy of the Holy Land xxxvii
lease (813) of Dec. 13, 1272, ' in the day of seynt Lucye, uirgyn,
next after the dethe of Henry the son of kynge John.' Henry III
died Nov. 16, 1272, but as prince Edward, his eldest son, was
then absent oversea on the eighth crusade, the lawyer who drafted
the deed was too cautious to commit himself to any statement as
to his accession.
Reign of Edward I.
Edward I took the cross a second time in 1287, but that crusade
was never actually begun. It seems, however, that for some time
afterwards there was a permanent, though possibly a voluntary,
tax in preparation for it. We find people binding themselves to
pay forfeits to such a tax, much as at the present day a politician
backs his opinion by offering to pay £20 to the local infirmary if
some statement of his can be shown to be false. In 1289 a citizen
of Oxford bound himself (651) to complete a conveyance, under
penalty, if he neglected to do so, of ' x. mark of sterlyngis'
(£6135. 4(£.) 'into subsidie of the Holy Londe '. In 1306 a
Warwickshire squire pledged himself (80 1) to repayment of a loan
* in the peyne of an hundred shillyngis to be paid vnto the sub-
sidie of the Holy Londe'. In 1307 Godstow bound (562) the
lessee of one of its Oxford houses to keep the property in good
repair ' vndir the payne of x. mark to be paid to the subsidie of
the Holy Lond'.
Slight mention is found of the great fraternities established
to protect pilgrims to Palestine. The Knights Hospitallers, or
Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, are possibly ' the hospital of
Jerusalem' which held (515) land in Oxford about 1160, and 'the
brethered of Jerusalem' to whom a small rent-charge was be-
queathed (807) in Wiltshire, in 1284. The lands of the Knights
Templars at Cowley near Oxford are mentioned (433-5), and
about 1 2 20 we find at Wy combe certain messuages (101) held by
payment of a rent-charge of ' xiid. to the Temple '.
Statute of Mortmain.
The three great legislative acts of Edward I are presented to us
in a multitude of notices.
In these deeds we have a fairly complete view of the origin and
of the working of the vaunted Statute of Mortmain of 1279, and
XXXV111
Statute of Mortmain
are enabled to conclude not only that it failed to accomplish its
professed object, but even that it was a great obstacle to the
natural development of the country.
We begin with the popular feeling that too much land was
passing into ecclesiastical ownership. In grants of land, or leases,
we find frequently inserted a clause forbidding the demise of the
property to any religious house. About 1230, William dyer,
demising land in Oxford (686) to Robert le glosur, granted him
leave to assign it ' out-take to religious men ', the restriction in
this case being the more singular, because the feudal superior
was St. Frideswyde's Priory. About 1270, Peter of Wilcote,
demising (399) land at Cassington to his son Robert, granted him
powers to assign it as he chose ' except to religeous houses ', and
renewed the limitation when he confirmed (401) the transference
of the land by said Robert to his sister. About 1270, John
Franklin, of Great Tew, demised (747) land there to John Lake
and his assigns 'except religious men'. In this notification of
inadmissible tenants or lessees the religious orders are not infre-
quently joined with Jews. About 1240, a life-rent (356) of land
in Cassington concedes to the life-renters ' power to yeve and selle
the forsaid tenement to who-so-ever they wold, except to religious
houses and to the lurye ', for any portion of their life-term. About
1260, a grant (181) of land in Meysey-Hampton, Gloucestershire,
contains permission « to yeve, selle, bequeth, or lay hit to wedde,
... or in any other wise assigne hit, . . . out-take hit be to reli-
gious men or lewis'. Godstow itself is found going with the
current. About 1250, Godstow granted a tenement (117) in
Wycombe to a man and his assigns, ' excepte howses of religion
and lewys.' In 1265 Godstow, granting a messuage (621) in
St. Giles's parish, to be held for ever by a small quit-rent, pro-
vided that ' hit shold not be lawfull to the said John or to his
heires to leye to wedde the seid mese in luery, nother to aliene
hit to ony religious (out-take the house of Godestowe) '. In the
same way, we find provision made in a life-grant to a ' secular '
cleric that the grant is to be void if the life-renter joins one of the
'regular' orders. In 1272 Godstow granted (534) lands near
Oxford in life-rent to Robert Maynard of Oxford, chaplain, on terms
that ' yf the said Robert died, or entred religion, all the said lond
shold turne agayn ' to Godstow. Here Godstow, a ' religious ' house of
Statute of Mortmain xxxix
the Benedictine rule, shares in the general objection to a * religious '
tenant.
The Statute of Mortmain (November, 1279), professedly giving
effect to this feeling, forbade the transference of land to eccle-
siastical ownership, except by licence of the king and of the chief
lord of whom the land was held. Inasmuch, however, as these
licences were never refused, and inasmuch as neglect to ask
for them was condoned by a fine, the one effect of the statute was
to increase the expenses of land- transfer by the costs of the cum-
brous procedure required under the statute. The Crown lawyers
and the engrossers of the required licences received increase of
fees ; there was no diminution in the amount of land which
passed into 'the dead hand'. It is true that, in the case of
Godstow, the editors of the 1846 edition of the Monasticon say
(iv. 358) that ' After the Statute of Mortmain, the accessions of
property were, of course, few or none'; but this statement is
merely such a glib falsehood as comes handy to editors who are
conceited enough to make statements without taking trouble to
examine the facts.
These Godstow documents, in giving us examples of the different
procedures under the statute, show us acquisitions of land as large
and as constant as before the statute was passed.
In 1284 Roger of Writele was ready to give Godstow one of the
largest properties it ever received at one time. The king's licences
were at once forthcoming (808, 836), as also that of the chief lord
(835); and the transference (809, 843) was effected in 1285. In
1314 apparently by the benefaction (Monast. iv. 372) of Margery
Dyne, abbess, trustees purchased for Godstow considerable lands
in Great Tew, and we have almost a complete set (750-8) of the
tedious deeds required under the statute.
A sufficient condemnation of the statute is that the Crown soon
tired of issuing licences for the acquisition of small portions of land,
and granted religious houses general licences to break the statute
up to a certain point, merely on reporting the purchase. Thus,
Godstow had licence (897) to acquire, in spite of the statute,
lands 'to the valew of a C. shillings by yere, after the verry
valew of the same ', and the Great Tew property was acquired (760)
as representing 415. yearly value of this concession.
The insincerity of the statute is apparent frem the fact that
xl Statute of Mortmain
where land had been seized by the king's escheators, as forfeited
because acquired in defiance of the statute, the payment of a fine
obtained release of the escheat, and its conveyance to the religious
house. In 1301 Godstow bought property (179) in Gloucester
from Agnes of Pershore without observing the statute. The
property was then escheated, but given up (1306) to the abbey on
payment of a fine. Unfortunately, neither in the eases of the
requirements of the statute being observed, nor in the case of fine
for neglect of them, have we any indication of the legal costs.
The most shameful part of the statute was,, that licence in
mortmain had to be obtained in cases of exchanges of land however
small. In 1314 in the exchange between Sir William Mountagu
and Godstow of two acres at Cassington, we have (425-^) the
necessary set of licences, in their wearisome iteration. Another
licence occurs in 1321, when William Burncestre exchanged (613)
a small enclosure in North Oxford for a strip of Godstow land.
Even where all the lands were already in mortmain, licences had
to be taken out if an exchange was desired. In 1358 we have
the agreement (510) by which Godstow and St. Frideswyde's, by
private arrangement, decided to farm as if their own, certain pieces
of each other's lands, until they * myght lawfully opteyne licence of
the kyng (with commune costes of them) and of other the which
had to entermete in that parte of the fore eschaunge to be made '.
When we recall the intermixed strips in which land was held, and
the utter need that there was of consolidation before the land could
be properly worked, it becomes plain that the Statute of Mortmain
was not merely a fraudulent device to collect fees, but actually
pernicious as a hindrance to agriculture.
There is one instance (539) of the procedure necessary to
establish title to lands acquired by Godstow, prior to the Statute
of Mortmain, when that title had been challenged. The same
deed introduces us to the subtle distinction that a grant of free
land in life-rent could not be made without taking out a licence
in mortmain, but if the tenant held the land ' in villenage ' for his
life-term no licence was required.
The Quia Emptores Statute of Edward I.
The 1290 Quia emptores Statute possibly appears in a more
favourable light, as perhaps needed, and as in a way effective.
The Quia Emptores Statute xli
Yet even here, the deeds supply us with some reasons for grumbling
at the statute. In the theory of the feudal lawyers, English land
was a great rope, composed of many strands, each strand con-
sisting of many cords, and each cord made up of many threads.
The end where the rope was undivided was in the king's hands.
A little apart from him stood the barons, each holding a strand
untwisted from the rope : Arundel, Chester, Cornwall, Lancaster,
are names which occur in these deeds. A stage further on, stood
lords of manors, every one of them with a cord untwisted from his
overlord's strand. Further away still, came smaller landholders
with filaments and fractions of filaments subdivided from their
manorial lord's cord. Accordingly, in practice, whenever a piece
of land (large or small) was sold or otherwise severed from an
estate (large or small) the seller or donor, to perpetuate its feudal
subjection to his estate, retained from it, for himself and his heirs,
something in the nature of a quit-rent. The result was that at
each fresh sale, the land was burdened with a fresh quit-rent, and
so, like Goldsmith's Traveller 'dragged at each remove a lengthening
chain' of feudal charges. At Cassington, for example, we have lands
(352) held by yearly quit-rents of 6d. and a pair of gloves to the chief
lord, and then, by other acts of subinfeudation, by 5s. to Godstow,
a ' sparhawk ' to another mesne lord, and id. to a third mesne lord.
It would appear that the original quit-rents imposed by the
chief lords, at the first severance of the lands from the demesne,
were in many cases intended to be substantial money-charges or
fixed rents, but that the later, intermediate, quit-rents were
sometimes nominal charges, not intended to be rigidly collected.
This conclusion is pointed to both by the amount of the original
quit-rents and the continued notice which is taken of them. Thus
we have land (576) held by yearly quit-rent of 2s. to the chief lord^
but of only id. to the mesne lord; and other land (581) held by
yearly quit-rent of 4*. to the chief lord, but of only id. to the
mesne lord. An Oxford shop (557), already paying quit-rents of
8s. to Oseney abbey, and 2s. to the heirs of Adam Feteplace, when
sold about 1255, was subjected to a further quit-rent of id. to the
seller and his heirs as the new mesne lord. An overlord, granting
confirmation of a mesne lord's conveyance of land, often inserts
(e. g. 748) a clause providing for due payment of the original quit-
rent to himself and his heirs.
xlii The Quia Emptores Statute — Quaint tenures
It is plain that at one time the overlord interpreted very
strictly his superiority over lands granted out of his demesne.
Intending purchasers of land are found (341, 377) bargaining
beforehand how much they are to pay for the overlord's permission
to hold land ' of his fee '. Godstow often paid a substantial sum
both to the mesne lord for the purchase of the land and to the
overlord for confirmation of the under-lord's grant (20, 23). An
overlord, confirming the conveyance by the mesne lord of his
interest in the land to Godstow, is found (322) bargaining for
commemoration in the prayers of the convent as if he had given
a considerable benefaction.
There were frequent misunderstandings, disputes, and suits at
law, as to whether the services due from the land to the overlord
were to be paid by the mesne lord who had parted with it, or by
the new holder (cp. 192, 220).
A general cloud of unsettledness hung over lands, lest at any time,
like Shylock with his pound of flesh, some overlord or mesne lord
might attempt to resume possession of the land, on the ground
that some of its numerous petty services had been neglected. We
have one instance of Godstow thus re-entering, in virtue of a legal
decision, into property which had been granted out to be held by
quit-rent (682).
The 1290 statute Quia emptores, by directing that land sold
was henceforth to be held not of the mesne lord but of the chief
lord, may have given a sense of security of possession which had
hitherto been impossible.
Quaint tenures.
So much of Godstow land was acquired before the Quia emptores
statute, that we have abundant material from which to illustrate
the artificial tenures by which subinfeudation took place.
In some cases feudal superiority was retained by a small yearly
quit-rent in money. We have %d., payable at Easter, as a quit-
rent at Great Tew (746); %d., payable at Christmas, also at Great
Tew (744); very commonly, id., e.g. payable at Easter by land in
St. Giles's parish, Oxford (581), and again, payable at Michaelmas,
by property in Wycombe (128). Very common also is a quit-rent
of 2(1., e. g. payable at Michaelmas by land at Cassington (333).
The most ingenious of these money quit-rents is that imposed,
Quaint tenures xliii
about 1230, on meadow (606) near Oxford, which was to be held
by yearly payment of one shilling, one penny, one halfpenny, one
farthing. A quit-rent of this sort was often jealously exacted, because
of the rights of possible reversion which it retained. Accordingly,
we find (129) a solemn conveyance, as of something of real impor-
tance, of the yearly quit-rent of id.} and of the casualties which might
accrue to the holder of it as feudal superior.
Very frequently the quit-rent was a small payment in kind.
The proverbial ' peppercorn rent ' of modern parlance occurs in
St. Giles's parish, Oxford, where a rent-charge (589) yielded to
its overlord ' one corne of grayne of pepir in the fest of our lordis
birthe for all seculer services, customes and demaundes '. Tenure
by yearly payment of i Ib. of pepper occurs about a dozen times.
At Little Kissington, Gloucestershire, a yardland (190) was held
by yearly payment of ' i Ib. of pepir at the fest of seynt Thomas the
appostle for all servyce, exaccion, sute, custome, and demaunde'.
So also at Bozeat, Northamptonshire (249), and at Cassington
near Oxford (429). In some deeds the option is given of the
pepper or of a money quit-rent. At Fencot, Oxfordshire, we have
a grant of lands to be held (446) ' for i li. of peper (or vie?., after
the wille of the same Gefrei, his heires, or of ony of his assinis) ', at
Michaelmas, 'for alle seruice and exaccion/ In 1540 (Monast. iv.
372) the £um of 2s. had become the recognized commutation- value
of these 'Ib. of pepper' quit-rents. In one deed (523), the grant
to Godstow of a Ib. of pepper quit-rent is treated as a substantial
benefaction, entitling the donor to commemoration in the prayers
of the convent. This, of course, was because the ownership of the
quit-rent implied legal right to the reversion of the lands held by
that tenure.
Cumin was another favourite spice, and was frequently pressed
into service as a tenure. Ely of Maundeville, selling at 10 years'
purchase a rent-charge (829) in Wiltshire, retained his lordship
over it 'by half a li. of comin for all exaccion and seculer
demaunde, at Estur '. The commonest tenure is by ' i Ib. of
comin ', e. g. payable at Michaelmas, by land (448) at Fencot. We
find it in combination with other quit-rents. Thus, in Wiltshire,
the grant of a half-yardland (841) was subjected to quit-rents of
a halfpenny of silver and i Ib. of cumin at Michaelmas. St.
Oswald's Priory, Gloucester, held some Godstow property in that
d 2
Quaint tenures
city, by quit-rent (166) of ' 2 shillings of sterlynges and i li. of
comyn at the feste of seynte Hillary' (Jan. 14). Property (837)
in Wiltshire was held of the chief lord by ' i paire of spurres gilte
(or vie?, of siluir) at Estur, and at Mihelmas i Ib. of comyn for all
sendees'. In 1540 4$. was the recognized commutation-money
for the Ib. of cumin (Monast. iv. 373).
Much the most common of these spice tenures is that by a single
grain of clove, whose old name ' clove gillyflower ' in its great
variety of spellings quaintly disguises its Greek original Kapvd-
0uAAov. Examples of tenure by one clove gillyflower are : — payable
at Easter, properties in St. Giles's, Oxford (593, 599, 610), and at
Wycombe (122); payable at Midsummer, in St. Giles's, Oxford
(592); at Michaelmas, there also (619); at Christmas, in Great
Tew (741).
These tenures, by spices, suggest agreements arrived at on festal
occasions, over cups of spiced ale. There are other tenures, with
more of poetry about them, by fruits or flowers of English growth.
In 1270 Maud Arneby retained superiority over her grant of
land (591) in St. Giles's parish, Oxford, by 'one rede appull at
Myghelmasse '. Hugh Hore, conveying a shop (559) in All Saints
parish, Oxford, to his daughter Mariote, subjected it to the charge
of ' yelding therof yerely to hym and to his heires one rose at Mid-
somer '. This ' rose at Midsomer ' tenure occurs twice at Great
Tew (745, 749). It is a tenure especially common in grants made
to Godstow (177, 363, 370-2, 419, 421, 588), because Midsummer
Day (June 24) is the Nativity of St. John Baptist, the patron saint
of Godstow. When Godstow granted leases at a nominal rent, this
rent (431, 630) was 'a rose at Midsummer'. This tenure is found
in conjunction with others. Thus, about 1 260, on occasion of a grant
to Godstow of lands (223), held of the feudal superior by a clove
at Michaelmas, the grantor imposes a new quit-rent of a rose at
Midsummer to himself and his heirs as mesne lord.
Gloves are still a recognized present on various occasions of
ceremony. At Oxford, for example, when the University pays its
formal call on the Judge of the Assize, the Vice-Chancellor brings
with him white gloves. These deeds carry back this present to the
time of feudal tenures. Very often, to prevent misunderstanding,
the deeds mention a commutation-price. At Wycombe, Bucking-
hamshire, we find property (124) held by payment of ' one paire of
Quaint tenures •* xlv
white gloves of the price of i halfpenny at Ester'. In North
Moreton, Berkshire, there is a tenure (24) by ' a pair of gloves or
id. at Michaelmas'. This seems to have been a favourite Oxford-
shire tenure. In Oxford itself we have (666), about 1240, 'a paire
of gloves at Cristmasse/ and (543) ' i paire of white gloves at
Estir '. At Great Tew, we have (7 40), this same ' i paire of white
gloves at Ester'. At Cassington, tenures are (384) ' i paire of
gloves or id. withyn the vtas of Estir ', and (349) ' i paire of new
gloves or id. whether of tho two his heires will chese, and to do
this in the court of Karsynton ', no doubt meaning at the court held
on the leet-day. In Cassington also we have this glove-payment
joined with a quit-rent in money, in the tenure (352) by 'vid.
at Cristmasse and i paire of white gloves of the price of i half-
penny at Ester '.
Spurs occur as a tenure almost as often as gloves. De Braose,
lord of Bramber, Sussex, parting with lands (791) to a St. Valerie,
subjected them to the quit-rent of a 'paire of sporres over gilte,
price of vi. d.', to be paid on Michaelmas Day at Bramber Castle.
In 1540 Godstow was still paying this 6d. in lieu of a pair of gilt
spurs, but under the prosaic condition (Monast. iv. 374) of a fee of
6s. Sd. to the Duke of Norfolk's bailiff for coming to Godstow to
receive the 6d. In the same way, the lord of Cassington, parting
with houses and land, imposes (326) a quit-rent of ' i paire of
spores (or 2d., yf he had lever), at Myghelmas, for all service
longyng to hym' and to his heires '. Spurs occur also as a courtesy
payment. Godstow, acquiring land (463) in Hampton-Gay, paid
the owner £10, and gave his wife a bezant (23.) and his heir
' xiid. to by hym sporys '.
' Alisaundir of Swereford, tresorer of seynt Powles of London,'
parting with lands (351) in Cassington, asked payment of
' a sper-hawke sowryng at Lammas ' (' unum spervarium sorum ').
* Sorus ' is late Latin for ' red ', as of a smoked herring. If ' sper-
varius ', sper-hawke, means sparrow-hawk, we have here an instance
of the sporting parson.
The statute of Quia emptores, 1290, in forbidding subinfeuda-
tion, swept away all the tenures by which it had been carried on.
In subsequent conveyances there is greater simplicity, but also
absolute loss of individuality in the tenure clause, which becomes
' to be held of the chief lords of the fee by the accustomed services '.
xlvi Quaint tenures — Expulsion of the Jews
Before parting from these tenures, we may place alongside of
them a corresponding church custom, by which was intimated the
homage due by a church to its parent church or to a benefactor
church. This was done by an offering of wax-candles of a
prescribed weight on a given day. In acknowledgement of the
kindness of Oseney abbey in withdrawing a claim to certain tithes
also claimed by Godstow, Godstow was bound (493) to pay 'yerely
ii. sergis of iii. Ib. of wexe, the which, honestly araied, thei ought
to offre vpon the hye auter of our blissed lady seynt Marye of
Oseney, in the vigille of the assumpcion of her, afore evensouge '.
This was in 1192. In 1239, in acknowledgement of the privilege
of having a chapel of its own, St. John Baptist's Hospital,
Wycombe, was bound (99) to give to Wycombe parish church 'ii.
sergis of ii. Ib. of wexe in the day of the pryncipall fest every
yere '.
Expulsion of the Jews.
We have several indications of the discontents which ended in the
atrocity of the expulsion of the Jews in 1290.
Very frequently, in notices of sales of land, the cause of aliena-
tion is stated to be debt to the Jews. At Gloucester, about 1200,
the purchaser of certain lands (169) gave the seller ' afore-handis
x. marke of siluer to acquite him of the Juis of Gloucetur'.
About 1230, Godstow, buying houses (529, 530) in Oxford, gave the
seller ' to his grete nede, that is to sey, to aquyte hym of the Jewrye,
and in other placis where he was indetted, x. marke of siluer in
warison'. In 1244, a buyer of lands in Cassington (350) paid
2 os. to the seller and undertook to 'quytte him of xxi. shillings
ayenst Vynos Sapin, Jewe of Oxenford, in the whiche he was I-bound
to hym in the same day that this charter was I-made'. In 1250,
buying land (299) in Bletchingdon, Godstow gave the seller 'halfe
a marke of sterlingys to quite hym of the Jurye in the towne of
Oxenford, that is to sey, ageynst James of London, lue fitz Moysy '.
In 1280, buying land (412) at Cassington, Godstow gave the seller
' C. shillings and xx. d. to delyuer hym of the Juys hondys, in whos
dettis at that tyme he was I-bounde '.
The existence of many mortgages, held by Jews as security for
money lent by them, is often brought before us in those forms of
warranty-clauses which were in favour 1240-80. About thirty
Expulsion of the Jews xlvii
examples are found, viz. one in Dinton, a few in Wycombe, several
in Cassington, the rest in Oxford. At Cassington (398) ' the said
Ainye and her heires waran^ed, aquyted, and defended for euer the
said ii. acres ... to the said mynchons and to their successours
ayenst all men and women, bothe cristen and Juwys '. At Dinton
(57), warranty was given 'ageiniste alle men and women, bothe
Jues and cristinmen'. In Oxford, warranty was given (592)
'ayenst all peple, men and women, both Jewes, Jewesses, and
cristen men '. Other Oxford examples are 560, 566, 594, 600, 626.
From 1230 to 1280 there is evidence of a feeling that too much
land was passing into the hands of Jews, or being mortgaged to them.
Leases and grants often contain a clause forbidding the selling or
mortgaging of the property, especially to Jews. In Oxford, e. g.,
1 230, Godstow bound its tenant (620) that he ' fro that tyme forthe
myght not plegge, selle, nother encrease the rent, ne in no wyse
aliene the forsaid lond to Jewys or cristen men '. A lease for life
(693) of certain houses in Oxford, 1266, was made on condition
that the life-renter ' shold not selle, nother lay to wedde, nother
assigne to no man, cristen nother Jewe, nother in religion nother
out of religion, the forsaid ii. meses '. The frequent conjunction of
Jews and monastic houses (' exceptis religiosis et Judaeis ') as in-
admissible tenants or subtenants has already been noticed (p.xxxviii).
Reign of Edward II.
In the first half of 1314, Godstow was engaged in buying and
exchanging lands. The places at which the king granted the
necessary licences in mortmain mark the stages of his journey to
Bannockburn. On Feb. 2, 131!, he was at Canterbury (425); on
May 8, 13 14, at York (760); on June 14, atBerwick-on-Tweed(428).
The Statutes of Praemunire and Provisors.
These deeds afford several indications of the conditions which
prompted Edward Ill's statutes directed against the exercise of
jurisdiction in England by the papal Curia. We find a great many
suits which were appealed to Rome, and, after payment of fees in
the papal court, decided in England by English ecclesiastics named
as papal commissioners. Thus, Pope Celestine III (1191-8)
appointed commissions to decide controversies — about tithe (493),
xlviii Appeals to Rome
between Oseney abbey and Godstow; about the ecclesiastical
position of Watereaton chapel (851), between Cirencester abbey
and Godstow ; about a pension from Bloxham church (308), between
Westminster abbey and Godstow. In 1205 commissioners of
Innocent III gave judgement in the dispute between Godstow and
Norton priory about the position of Easington church (440). Pope
Gregory IX (1227-41) issued many commissions. One of these, in
1228, repelled (160) the claim of the vicar of Frampton for tithe
from Godstow. Another, in 1234, awarded (92) Godstow the tithes
of Wy combe mills; and another, in 1235, decided a controversy as
to tithes in Wycombe (94) between Bee abbey and Godstow. In
1236 another commission denned the tithe obligation (855) of
Godstow's manor of Watereaton to Eisey church. In 1239 another
instituted (99) a chapel in St. John Baptist's Hospital, Wycombe.
In 124^ a commission, apparently after the death of the pope who
had appointed it, rejected (31) the vicar of Wytham's claim for
certain tithes from Godstow. Innocent IV issued a commission,
which, in 1247, confirmed (214) to Godstow a pension out of
Faringdon church, Hampshire. Gregory X issued a commission,
which, in 1273, confirmed (442) to Godstow a pension out of
Easington church, Oxfordshire.
The number of these appeals to Rome, recorded in the imperfect
register of one nunnery, and that a small one, gives us a hint of the
vast number of suits in church matters which were decided after
being appealed to Rome.
Indications are not wanting that English litigants, both corpora-
tions and individuals, had grown weary of the expenses incident to
the jurisdiction of a foreign court. Thus, in 1238, a commission
was issued by Pope Gregory IX to give judgement in a suit raised
by the vicar of St. Peter's in the East, Oxford, against Godstow
about tithes and church-dues in Wolvercote ; but the matter was
decided (775) in 1239 by both parties inviting arbitration by the
diocesan, Bishop Robert Grostete, a great resister of papal claims.
At a still earlier date, about 1192, in concluding their dissension
about Watereaton chapel, Cirencester abbey and Godstow promised
each other (851) that they ' sholde never afturwarde gete no letters
fro the pope nother use non I-gote ', to override the agreement they
had come to. Much later, 1338, considering the 'harmes and
expensis ' that might come by such litigation, Godstow and Oseney
Appeals to Rome xlix
abbey referred (495) their difference about tithes in Walton to the
award of the diocesan, the Bishop of Lincoln.
The system of papal provision, by which the Roman pontiff
nominated to English benefices, in defiance of the right of the
English patron, is probably hinted at in the sworn promise exacted
(790) by Godstow in 1376, before it presented to Lamyat church,
that its presentee ' wold never resigne the said chirch of Lamyete
out of Englond '.
The Alien Priories.
Of foreign monasteries possessed of revenues in England, the
G-odstow deeds present us with Bec-Hellouin abbey, owning tithe
in Wycombe (93-6), which at one time had to be paid to the prior
of their cell at Ogbourne, Wiltshire ; with Bertincourt abbey,
owning Duxford mills in Berkshire (10—12) ; and with 'Nimgun '
priory, owning land (7) in Blewberry, Berkshire. At the be-
ginning of his quarrel with France, Edward III, to provide the
sinews of war, seized on the Wycombe revenues of Bee abbey.
After Cre9y, he relaxed his grip on them (97), and allowed the
Norman house to sell the ownership of them to an English subject.
It is interesting to find this anticipation of Henry V's action, 1414,
in confiscating the English estates of Norman monasteries, to
provide funds for his invasion of France.
Conditions of English land.
In some hundreds of deeds relating to property, and reaching in
date from 1140 to 1460, we naturally look for bits of information
as to the methods of working the land, managing estates, and the
like. I have brought together under heads what can be gleaned
from the deeds in this direction.
Town properties.
Indications of civic life are few, but such as are given are of
interest.
In Oxford, we have a brief notice (562) of an academic hall in
1307, with its chambers for the residence of its students; its
kitchen, a separate building from fear of fire in those days of
thatched roofs ; and its stables for the students' horses, riding being
the sole mode of travelling. We have two glimpses at the trade-
1 Town property — The Common-field system.
quarters with their very small shops on the street level, and in the
next storey a room (often in different ownership) extending over
two or three of them (672, 683). In the case of one ' seld ' (667)
we have the actual measurements, 28 J ft. x 20 ft. Another deed
(541) suggests the complications as to water-drip and window-rights
which existed in these subdivided houses.
Somewhat singular is the existence of large permanent garden
ground (663) in the very heart of what is generally depicted as
a crowded town.
In Wycombe there is a minute account (104) of the feudal lord's
rights over the town, exacting yearly dues from the houses,
compelling townsmen to serve as his unpaid officers of the market,
collecting for his own use the mulcts for breaches of market-rules,
forcing the community to rent the market from him, and carrying
off to his own land all manure deposited on the streets. This last
item, and the twelve-months' exemption from it allowed to Godstow
and Godstow tenants, tell us of the insanitary state of towns.
In Banbury we have (285, 868, 869) a perpetual rent-charge
imposed on the market-revenues. In Cricklade (814) the feudal
superior makes a long lease to an individual of the revenues and
perquisites of the market.
At Brackley in Northamptonshire (256) and at Cricklade in
Wiltshire (817) we have 'burgages', i.e. houses in the town which
carried with them the right of buying and selling in the town-
market.
The Common-field system.
These deeds show us, in full working order, in every county
where Godstow held land, the old communal system of tillage.
Each vill or township was divided into several holdings of de-
terminate size, viz. yardlands (c virgatae terrae '), half-yardlands,
and quarter-yardlands. These had each houses, and certain small
enclosures as their own individual property. But much the greater
part of the arable land consisted of strips in certain large fields,
and the strips of the several holdings were so intermingled that
they could be tilled only by the whole township following the same
routine of leaving fallow, ploughing, cropping, reaping. Most of
the meadow went with the arable, so much meadow in the common
meadows being attached to so many acres of arable. This again
The Common-field system li
necessitated common action in hay-making, carrying, and turning
the cattle on to the meadow. Further, the cattle, sheep, and pigs
were pastured in common, each holding according to its acres being
entitled to have so much stock at pasture.
In Cassington we have (432), in 1350, a description of the
buildings of a farm ' messuage ', i.e. of the housing we may suppose
to have belonged to a yardland. A typical example of the make-
up of a yardland, described by its scattered acres, half-acres, and
roods, is found (740) at Great Tew. An example of a half-yard-
land, described piece by piece, occurs (297) at Bletchingdon.
Another description of the scattered arable, meadow, and common
pasture rights of a half-yardland is given (182) at Meysey-Hampton
in Gloucestershire. Bletchingdon supplies (298) a typical quarter-
yardland. Besides these we have holdings described by acre, half-
acre, quarter-acre, and even smaller pieces, with 'forers', 'butts', &c.,
in Oxfordshire, in the north suburb of Oxford (502), Cowley, Milton,
Milcombe, Shillingford ; in Berkshire, in North Moreton, Wytham ;
in Buckinghamshire, in Dinton ; in Northamptonshire, in Evenley ;
in Sussex, in Bodington ; in Wiltshire, in Broad Blunsdon,
Eastrop, and Watereaton. In all these places, as also at Gloucester
(17) and in Hampshire at King's Clere (225), there is a multitude
of old field-names which invite comparison and analysis.
Grants of arable land generally specify (288) how much
meadow the arable carried with it. In many places just before
hay-making, the common meadow was marked off, probably by
pegs, into acre or half-acre strips. These were numbered, and the
persons who had rights of common meadow drew lots, and chose
their share for the year in the order which the lot assigned. This
continued till living memory. Mr. Hurst has told me that at
Cassington, north of Oxford, he has spoken with old men who not
only remembered the system but also that the determination by lot
proceeded by drawing stalks of hay of different length, the longest
having first choice of strip. An interesting account of the system,
and of another quaint method of drawing lots in use at Kidlington,
Oxfordshire, is given by Rev. Vaughan Thomas in a Gough MS.
(no. 91) in the Bodleian, and is partly printed in Stapleton's Three
Oxfordshire Parishes (1893), pp. 308-11. This 'meadow by lot'
system is mentioned in deeds about the Thames meadows near
Oxford (606-9) > at Bletchingdon (297) ; at Little Rissington,
Hi Meadcnu and pasture rights
Gloucestershire (187); and with extreme frequency at Cassington
(369> 372, 373, 378, 382, 399, 405, 410, 420, 432).
The yardlands and fractions of yardlands possessed rights of
pasture for cattle, &c., in proportion to the amount of their arable,
not only over the waste of the township, but over land lying in
fallow, over the common meadows after the hay had been lifted, and
over the common fields when the crops had been carried. These
pasture rights are often mentioned, e.g. in Oxfordshire, at Bletch-
ingdon (287, 288, 291), Milcombe (480), and the north suburb of
Oxford (623, 630) ; in Gloucestershire, at Meysey-Hampton (182);
in Hampshire, at "Woolverton in King's Clere parish (239) ; in
Northamptonshire, at Evenley (265) ; in Wiltshire, at Broad
Blunsdon (809). At Shillingford in Oxfordshire the deeds (720-3,
729-32) have many marginal notes drawing attention to the fact
that the arable bought carried with it rights of common pasture.
At Halso in Northamptonshire mention is made (278) of pasture
for the full plough-team of eight oxen, and of Easter as the begin-
ning of the season of common pasture. At Little Rissington in
Gloucestershire, we find (186-7) a clear statement of the times
during which meadow and arable were 'in defence', i.e. not open
to pasture.
There were different degrees of common pasture. At the dis-
solution (Monast. iv. 371) we find some Godstow meadows common
after the first mowing ; others not common till Michaelmas.
Echyng : Assart : Vineyard : Max.
Of much interest, but vaguely expressed, are those portions of
arable and meadow which are named, echyng, heche, encrese, or
encresyng (in Latin ' de incremento, in incremento '). So far as
I can see, these were proportionate shares, assigned to the holdings
of a township, of land brought under cultivation or enclosed as
permanent meadow, at a date later than the allocation of the strips
in the original common fields. Meadow so named is mentioned at
Hampton Gay (46 3); and arable so named at Cassington (349),
Meysey-Hampton (182), Eastrop (820).
Lands reclaimed from forest and brought under cultivation were
called 'assarts'. There is one assart (813) at Chalworth by
Cricklade, in Wiltshire; and others (238-9), described at some
length, beside Woolverton Park near King's Clere in Hampshire.
Echyng: Assart: Vineyard: Flax liii
An interesting feature about these assarts is, that, as they were re-
claimed and put under cultivation, special provisions were made for
payment by them of tithe-corn (94), 1235. From a deed of 1346,
it would seem (312) that the overlord could decide which church or
religious house was to receive the tithe. Care was often taken, when
forest-land was parted with on permanent lease, to provide that it
should not be assarted. In 1 265, e.g. Henry III granted woodland
(324) to Godstow, subject to its remaining forest.
The cultivation of the vine seems to have been of some impor-
tance. At Bozeat in Northamptonshire (249, 253), a vineyard
was part of the lands granted to a religious house, but it was
apparently so much missed that it was bought back by the donor.
At Wycombe (871) the tithe of flax is mentioned as of equal
importance with the tithe of wool, and in the Godstow lease (91)
of the rectory, this tithe-flax is specially reserved to the convent :
'out-take all lynnen and hemp comyng to the said chirche, the
which were reserved to the Covent of Godestowe'. A similar
reservation is made (871) in St. Giles's parish, Oxford. We are
perhaps to think of this tithe-flax being brought to Godstow, and
there spun by the abbess and her nuns.
Woodland rights.
Woodland rights were of much greater importance than now.
The only fuel was wood or charcoal ; farm-buildings and cottages
were of wood ; cattle were kept off the otherwise unprotected
common fields and meadows by hurdles ('dead hedges'): so much
so, that in manorial deeds of this period the cattle-herd is most
commonly styled the hay ward, i.e. hedge- ward. Several special
benefactions to Godstow take this form, to supply one or other of
these needs. 'Fowre burdyns of thornys' every day out of Cumnor
wood was an early benefaction (8) by Abingdon abbey. Henry II
(892) gave 'two cartis to go euery day in the wode of Shottore
[Shotover, east of Oxford] to carye wode to there nede'. This
privilege perhaps disturbed the king's game, since King John (894)
gave Godstow ' parte of the wode of Hildesdene ' in Buckingham-
shire ' into an eschaunge of ii. cartis the which they had euery day
walkyng to busshyng in his wode of Shottore '. Edward II was
perhaps less keen on venison; he granted (739) Godstow, for the
lifetime of the then abbess, fuel rights in Shotover. A quaint
Woodland rights — The manorial system
reason for a grant of fuel has already been mentioned (p. xxxi).
A perpetual grant of timber for repairs of a Godstow mill is found
(764) at Watlington. The oak given (86) each year at Westbury,
Buckinghamshire, would come in handy for repairs on Godstow
houses at Brackley. The rods given in the same grant may also
have served for purposes of repairs. Major Bale, in Essex Review,
xiii. 219, says 'A common material for filling in spaces between
studs of waitings was stiff clay, mixed with dry cut grass, bedded on
a foundation of hazel sticks, and faced with rough lime stucco
on the outside, and floated with fine mortar inside*. The strip
of wood acquired (66) at Hughenden had perhaps reference to
dilapidations on Godstow tenements in Wycombe. In this case we
learn that woodland was measured by a perch or pole peculiar to
itself, and not used for measuring land, ' the woodland perch.' The
strip of Wychwood forest (324) held by Godstow was convenient
for timber to repair tenements in Cassington and at Godstow.
Another woodland right was ' pannage ', i. e. leave to pasture pigs
in the woods during the acorn season. For this a lord of a manor
often exacted a payment for each pig turned out. At King's Clere
in Hampshire we find (238) a dispute between Godstow on the one
hand, and, on the other, the church and the manor of Woolverton
as to their respective rights of free pannage. In the wood of
Boarstall, Buckinghamshire, a special benefaction (81-3) allowed
Godstow to have forty pigs at pannage, without fee.
The right of road through a wood (287) is a special benefac-
tion, at Bletchingdon.
Woodland rights are found specially mentioned as going with
a yardland : e.g. no. 456, at Garsington.
The manorial system.
Godstow held land under lords of manors in several counties.
Godstow itself was lord of several manors. Both as tenant and as
lord, therefore, Godstow had full experience of the system. Refer-
ences to it abound in the deeds, but they are tantalizingly vague.
The charters of Stephen (872), 1139; Maud (875), 1144; and
Henry II (878), 1156, conferred on Godstow court in Walton
outside Oxford full manorial jurisdiction, in the pre-Norman
formula ' with sok and sake, tol and team, with infange and out-
fange theyf. The manor of Watereaton in Wiltshire (847-50)
Manorial privileges Iv
was acquired before 1145. Manorial privileges in other places
came by later gifts and purchases.
Manorial privileges.
The two fullest recitals of the formula concerning manorial
privileges are found at Broad Blunsdon (810) in Wiltshire and at
Great Tew (750) in Oxfordshire. At Broad Blunsdon Roger of
Writele conveys 'all his londes and tenementis . . . with mansions,
bildyngis, gardens, culverhowses, mylles, fre tenauntes, bondemen
(villenagis or bonde holdes), with ther sequelis and catallis, coterellis,
rentis, workyngis, helpis, wardis, relefis, eschetis, al maner fynes of
londes, redempcions or ayene-biyngis of progenitours or fadirs-
afore, medis, fedyngis, pastures, pondis, sutis of courtis, with all
other liberteis or fredoms and fre customes longyng to the forsaid
tenementis '. At Great Tew the formula is even longer, but, while
it includes other points, omits some particulars contained in the
preceding. Conveyance is made of ' viii. yerdis of lond, . . . with
the pertynentis . . . also ... the bodies of ... his bonde men, with
all ther catell, sewtis, and sequelis, with all ther londis and tene-
mentis the which ben called " natif " or bonde or bonde of birthe . . .
and all ther getyngis or perquisitis, with all pertynentis, as in
howsis, curtilagis, londis, medis, fedyngis, pasturis, hayes, dyches,
watirs, pondis, stewes, ryvers or riparies, duffehowses, mylles, weyes,
pathis, scuagis, homagis, fewteys, rentis, customys, wardys, mariagis,
fynys, relefis, heriettis, eschetis, sutis of courtis, and all maner of
liberteis and fre customs, service, appeiamentis, reversions, or
eisementis all, comyng forthe bothe of fre teneraentis, or of bonde
or natif, or of tenauntis holdynge in bondage or villenage '.
We may bring together here such notices as illustrate the
several points of this formula.
Dove-house. The right to have a dove-house, or culver-house (from
'culver', an old word for pigeon) was a manorial right, very
oppressive to the lord's neighbours, from damage done to their crops.
In An Alphabet of Tales (edit. M. M. Banks, E.E.T.S. 1904)^. 109,
there is a quaint tale illustrative of the feeling against pigeon-houses.
The passion for hawking largely explains their existence. Accor-
dingly, the dove-house is often separately mentioned in the
conveyance of an estate, e.g. at Bozeat, Northamptonshire (249).
Tithe of pigeon-houses is mentioned (476) as levied at Milcombe,
Ivi Manorial privileges
Oxfordshire. In 1540 the dove-house at Godstow is found in the
list (Monast. iv. 376) of buildings of the homestead.
Mills. The obligation on tenants to have their grain ground
at the lord's mill is universally known from the notices of it in
Sir Walter Scott's Monastery. It was enforced by fines imposed
in the Court Baron of the lord. Thus, in the Court Bolls of Great
Waltham manor, Essex, belonging to the Earl of Essex (Public
Record Office : Court Rolls 753, no. 62), in Edward I's reign, we
have a fine of 6s. taken ' de pluribus custumariis ville quia non
molaverunt ad molendinum comitis '. This obligation is twice
mentioned in these deeds. The grant of Frampton mill (156) to
Godstow, 1 1 80, was made 'with all his pertinences, seutis, and
liberties'. Elena, lady Zouch of Ashby, in 1279 made (276) God-
stow and Godstow tenants * free and quiet of ... sute of her myllys '
at Halso. We find that by old custom the miller was expected
to grind corn for use of the lord's household free of charge.
At Frampton, William of Clifford when he gave (156) the mill to
Godstow, bargained that grain ground for his household should not
be subject to multure ; his son, Richard, by a further concession
(158) agreed to pay multure.
Free tenants. Free tenants were not only personally free, but
their lands were held by money quit-rents, without obligation to do
regular work on demesne land of the lord. In these deeds, trans-
fers of property generally mention the number of freeholds and the
amount of their quit-rents, e.g. at Cassington (337, 386, 432); at
Bozeat (249).
Bond men. In transfers of land it is usual to mention the serfs
or neifs, not infrequently by name, as handed over with their
families, their lands, and all their property, to the new owner. Thus,
at King's Clere in Hampshire, ' for 8 shillings of sterlynges yerly '
Godstow transferred (227) to Nicholas of Clere 'John i-called
Aylmer, sumtyme her bondeman, with all hys goodys and catall and
londis '. Still more explicit statements are made in the deeds con-
cerning Great Tew, Oxfordshire (750, 757) in 1313; and Cher-
riugton, Gloucestershire (145). Other references are: — in Berk-
shire at North Moreton (19) ; in Northamptonshire at Bozeat
(249); in Oxfordshire at Asthall-Leigh (281), Cassington (384),
Fencot (448), Minster Lovell (489); in Sussex at Bodington (791).
It has to be added, however, that, as a rule, serfs' holdings came
Manorial privileges Ivii
to be granted to the tenant, his heirs, and assigns, subject only to
certain payments and services, so that, long before the dissolution,
the acreage of land directly under control of the monastic houses
was greatly reduced by the portioning off of copyholds in addition
to the old freeholds.
Land held in villeinage for the serfs life seems to have differed
from ordinary leaseholds for life-term in not requiring licence in
mortmain (p, xl) to sanction the grant (539).
Coterells. These were bondmen who held a small portion of
land, a coteland (344) or cotland.
Rents. By this word is meant chiefly quit-rents, small fixed
yearly payments in virtue of which freeholders held their lands of
the manor, and similar payments in money or in kind exacted from
those serfs' holdings which afterwards became copyholds. Certain
Cassington holdings (432) supply good examples of the latter. In
the north suburb of Oxford a holding (509), in 1286, paid Godstow
yearly iSd. and two hens, each hen valued at i^d. At King's
Clere, Hampshire, we have a rent of two fat hens at Martinmas
(218), and another rent of 4 horseshoes (221);
In rents, paid under terms of ordinary leases, we find the same
form of payment: e.g. at Chalworth in Wiltshire, a rent (813) of
55. in money and of half a quarter of wheat.
Workings. A large part of the work on the demesne land was
done by the serf- tenants, as part of their yearly payment for the
lands they held of the manor, the tenant being in some grants
required to provide the labour of one man, in other grants, of two
men. About 1230, we find a piece of meadow (606) near Oxford
held by payment of quit-rent and by the ploughing of i acre.
Such services were extremely common in hay-time and harvest.
Good examples are found at Bloxham in Oxfordshire (313) and at
Broad Blunsdon in Wiltshire (818), where a marginal note in the
Register draws attention to 'the cestum yn heruyste'. Several
holdings in St. Giles's parish, Oxford, were subject to specified
days of labour on Godstow land there (620, 628-9). The Latin
name for a day's work on these conditions was precaria. By old
agreement or custom, the lord of the manor (313) provided the
labourer with his food on certain precariae, which were therefore
called siccae. On other work-days, the lord provided both food and
drink (818), and these were non siccae. Another word connected
e
Iviii Manorial privileges
with this custom is the 'grete bederepe in hervest5 (no. 62 1), i.e. the
day when Godstow called out everybody over whom it had a claim
for labour to a joint day's work in securing the crops of the con-
ventual demesne land. A great benefactor of monasteries, Robert
Beaumont, second earl of Leicester, in granting (269) Godstow
a ploughland at Halso in Northamptonshire granted also exemption
from works to his manor. There is an interesting example (228)
at King's Clere, Hampshire, of the substitution of a money-rent
for the works, made subject to a return in certain contingencies to
the old services.
Scutage, the claim by the lord that each piece of land held of
him shall pay a contribution when this tax is asked, has been
already mentioned (p. xxxiv). We find, in the same way, the lord
of a manor subjecting all holdings under the manor to payment of
their share when the king imposed tallage (104), and in legal
formulae the land remained nominally subject to this burden long
after the impost had ceased to be made.
Homage and. fealty. Homage was the formal recognition by a
tenant on entering the fee that he held the land of the lord and
owed him service and submission for it (313). Fealty was the
oath taken by a tenant on entering the fee that he would be true
to the lord. Homage was rendered1 by the tenant holding 'his
hands together betweene the hands of his Lord', fealty by the
tenant holding ' his right hand upon a booke ', but practically
there seems little difference between the two. On doing fealty,
a fee had to be paid to the steward of the manor.
Helps were certain ancient customary charges, by which, e.g.
the lord of a manor asked contributions from his tenants to meet
the expense of making his eldest son a knight, and of providing
a marriage portion for his daughter. Except in the formula,
they are unnoticed in the deeds. 'Yelde' (432) seems to be
a commutation-charge in lieu of them.
Wards. The right to appoint a guardian, and charge a fee for
the appointment, is definitely mentioned in 1307, in connexion
with a Godstow property in St. Mary's parish, Oxford (662). At
Broad Blunsdon in Wiltshire (806), a landowner bargains, for
himself and his heirs, for a fee on occasion of each new appointment
1 Dr. John Cowell's The Interpreter (1607).
Manorial privileges lix
of an abbess of Godstow, in consideration of his wardship (during
the vacancy) of Godstow rights over the land held of his manor.
Marriage, in the manorial sense, is not mentioned except in the
formula. A serf might not marry without licence of his lord, and
he might not give his daughter in marriage without licence ; and
for this licence a fee Was charged.
Heriot was the lord's claim to the best beast owned by a deceased
serf. In lieu of it, land was sometimes subjected to a money-
payment, the heriotable fine. In Fencot, Oxfordshire, Richard
Bere, accepting (454) a grant of land from Godstow, bargained that
' for heriette and relefe ' after his death, or the death of his heir,
only £2 i os. shall be charged. His successor obtained (455) a re-
duction of the charge to «£i i6s.
Relief was a sum paid by a tenant entering into possession of a
freehold, whether by succession or purchase. At this time it seems
to have been fixed by bargain between lord and tenant. At
Garsington (456), before taking over lands held by quit-rent of half-
a-marc (6s. 8d.), the new tenants bargained that 'if hit hapnid that
relef sholde be gife therof, thei sholde not gife but i besaunde of
golde for relefe '. The gold bezant was perhaps worth a marc and
a half (£1). 'Resonable relef is often expressly reserved (804,
820, 826) by a grantor, when he exempts the land granted from
all other manorial claims. At a later date we find relief fixed by
custom at a sum equal to the yearly quit-rent by which the land
was held. Whether this was regarded as ' resonable ' at the time
of these deeds, there is no means of saying.
Fines. The commonest fine on land was a sum exacted by the
lord from the person who was about to enter on tenancy of a serf-
holding, lands held in 'villeinage'. Its amount was generally settled
by bargain between lord and serf. Such holdings afterwards became
copyholds. Except in the formulae, these fines are not mentioned.
Escheats were holdings forfeited to the lord in consequence of
breach of some customs of the manor (see below, under Customs).
Reversions were holdings which returned to the lord, after the
death of a life-rentor, or of the last person entitled to it in an
entail (see p. Ixiv, and p. Ixvi).
Customs. These were very numerous. Two may be brought
in here, because mentioned in the deeds. Lands and houses in
villeinage, or held by any tenure which approached to what is
e 2
Ix Manorial privileges
afterwards called copyhold, was strictly subjected to obligation to
keep in good repair. Neglect of repairs was one of the breaches of
manorial law which justified recall of the grant and re-entry of
the lord into possession of the holding, however small the quit-
rent which he held over it. The Godstow example is a good one.
In Holywell, Oxford, about 1200, Godstow- held certain houses
(634), and was threatened with pams and penalties by the feudal
superior, the rector of St. Peter's in the East, Oxford, unless they
were put in repair. Doubtless these were the houses (636) after-
wards held from Godstow by Fowke cordwainer by a quit-rent of
43. 4d., but held by Godstow from St. Peter's rectory by a quit-
rent of Sd:
Harbourage is also mentioned. In 1247, in a su^ (451) before
the justices at Oxford, the holder of lands at Fencot, Oxfordshire,
stated that his ancestors had paid for them to the feudal superiors
1 55. bi yere and to find to hem herborowh', and craved that in future
he might hold the lands by payment of Ss. 4d. yearly (without
herborowh) with ' homage and resonable relefe'. This harbourage
was probably house-room and entertainment for the superior or his
representative when they made a tour of the estates. A similar
claim for hospitality by the archdeacon and his company, on his
visitations, was regarded as so formidable a burden that Godstow,
at its foundation, bargained (866-7) f°r exemption from it. The
last stage of this charge seems presented to us at Winchester,
where the grantor of property reserves (236) to himself house-room
in it when he needs it, but promises to pay for his use of it. Com-
pare also the clause in the lease (91) of Wycombe rectory, where
Godstow provides that 'the abbesse in her every comyng shold have
easementis of houses ' in the dwelling-house and out-buildings.
' Redemptions or ayene biyngis of progenitours or fadirs afore,'
is an example of a common trick of the translator who constantly
gives a double rendering of one Latin word, one rendering being
pompous, the other simple. Here the Latin is ' redemptiones
antecessorum '. I suppose that the reference is to payments by
serfs to purchase their emancipation.
Meadows, &c. The clause ' in pratis, pascuis, et pasturis ' con-
stantly recurs. Its import has been explained (pp. li, lii).
Hayes. The hedges meant, I suppose, are growing-hedges,
which were lopped at intervals to provide faggots. The right to
Manorial privileges Ixi
them constituted one of the woodland-rights (p. liii) attached to
a manor, or to land held of it. Timber-trees growing in such
hedges on serfs'-holdings belonged to the manor, and were jealously
watched (p. Ixiv) by the lord.
'Dyches, watirs, pondis, stewes, ryvers or riparies.' Every
right to the fish in stream or pond was carefully guarded by the
landholder entitled to it. Under pre-Beformation regime, and
before improved land-carriage brought into country-places the
harvest of the sea, freshwater fish, however coarse, were of much
greater value than now. There are in these deeds numerous indi-
cations of the high value attaching to rights of fishery. Fish from
Thames and Cherwell still find their way to the slabs of Oxford
fish-shops : but nowadays the fishery attached to King's Weir in
the Thames above Godstow would hardly be reckoned (4, 772) as
a chief item in an estate ; nor would fisheries in Cherwell (540),
perhaps by Parson's Pleasure, or in ^the Thames at "Cassington
(430), bring in a rent as large as that of a farm. Tithe of the eel-
ponds at Woodstock (894) was a king's gift. In the same way,
when a water-mill is mentioned, express notice is taken of its
fishery-rights in its mill-ponds, as at Seckworth (25) on a branch
of Thames, south-west of Godstow, and at Duxford (15) on Thames,
north of Godstow. In 1540 (Monast. iv. 371) we find the fishery at
King's Weir let along with Wolvercote mill, at a rent of £6 for the
two. Even meadows have their fishery-right reckoned into their
value, as the Wyke (623) in Port Meadow at Oxford. A pond on
a Gloucestershire farm is counted worthy of separate mention (182).
Ways, paths. Rights of way were of -considerable importance.
One was a subject of a grant to Godstow (287) at Bletchingdon,
At King's Clere in Hampshire Godstow promised (239) to grant
rights of way over their lands. At Cassington Godstow purchased
land to make a way (408). At Cassington also in an exchange of
lands (327), part of the bargain is for land to get access to the rest
of the holding. The pasture and grass of such ways was of value.
Suits of Court. Suit of Court meant that the tenant was bound
to attend, and to serve as juryman in, the manorial courts, or to
purchase exemption. Originally the court met every third week,
and tenants were bound to attendance at all meetings. At Broad
Blunsdon (818) in Wiltshire tenants ' shall make sute of courte fro
three wokys unto thre wokys '. And so at Cassington in Oxford-
Ixii Manorial privileges — Burdens on land
shire (432). Afterwards the court met at irregular intervals, but
tenants were bound to attend whenever summoned. Thus, at
Meysey Hampton (184), Gloucestershire, Godstow requires a tenant
to make 'sute to the courte of Eton [Water-eaton manor in Wilt-
shire, belonging to Godstow] at the wille of the abbesse or of her
baillifes, as other tenantes of the same abbesse'. Tenants often
bargained for a minimum of attendances. Near Oxford, we find
Godstow tenants subject to only (628) 'twyes by the yere, sute to
ther courte of "Walton', or (626) 'sute of ii. chief courtes/ i. e. those
held on the same day as the leet-courts.
Apart from the Court Baron was the Court Leet, which met at
this time at least once a year, on a day (fix«d by the custom of the
manor) in Eastertide or Whitsuntide. In the case of Godstow's
manor of Walton the usual Leet-day was the second Tuesday after
Easter, ' Hock-day 3 as it was called, A second leet, held about
Michaelmas, also occurs. The Court Leet represented a measure
of the king's authority, delegated to the lord of the manor. It
controlled brewers, bakers, butchers, shoemakers, and other trades-
men ; judged and punished cases of larceny, assault, and breach
of the peace; punished persons who obstructed roads or blocked
rights of way, or neglected to repair roads or bridges. At this
court, therefore, a large attendance was desirable, and the deed
(622) which bound a Godstow tenant to attend ' twey grete courtis
at Myghelmasse and at Hokkeday ' is no doubt a typical one.
This burden was often the subject of special grants to Godstow.
Thus, Roger de Quincy, second earl of Winchester, about 1260,
granted (275) Godstow as a corporate body the privilege of non-
attendance at his court at Brackley, but retained for Godstow
tenants the obligation to personal attendance.
In 1540 (Monast. iv. 374) we find Godstow paying a fixed sum
of 2s. as ' suit-fine ' for leave of absence from the manorial court :
e.g. to the duke of Norfolk's court at Bramber castle, for the
Sussex estate ; to the earl of Huntingdon's court for the lands at
Dinton, Buckinghamshire.
Outward and inward service.
The services which a holding owed to the feudal superior of
whom it was held were called ' inward service ', a term which
therefore includes all the burdens described above as privileges of
Burdens on land Ixiii
the manor. ' Outward service ', or ' foreign service ', meant the
services which were due elsewhere, e. g. to the king. Thus, laud
at Evenley in Northamptonshire was granted (265) to Godstow,
free ' fro all seruice owtewarde and inwarde for evir '. A Godstow
grant (i 1 7) in Wycombe subjects the land conditionally to outward
service, exemption being given from ' all demaundis, but hit were
to a forrenge courte and that at ther resonable warnyng '.
Outward services due by land.
Lands owed suit and fees to the courts of the larger units, the
honour, the hundred, the thrithing, and the shire (or the burgh).
Our information as to Godstow's share of these conies chiefly from
Monasticon, iv. 371-5, where, in 1540, we find Godstow paying (a)
to the bailiff of the honour of Wallingford 2s. for lands in Cassing-
ton and 6s. Sd. for those at Wycombe ; (b) 6d. for the yardland at
Ledwell, to Wooton hundred ; 45., for the Oxford St. Giles's property
to Northgate hundred to be excused attendance at the hundred
court; (c) 2s. to the sheriff of Gloucester, for property in Gloucester,
to be excused attendance at the sheriff's court ; (d) 35. gd. to the
hustings court of Oxford town, to be excused attendance at that
court, for their Oxford town property. Two deeds about Godstow's
duty to the hundred-court of Stapel or Highworth occur 853-4.
Lands had also to contribute their share to the fines by which
the community made good the crimes of individuals, as also to
the corve"es exacted by the king, when these imposts were
charged. The chief mention of these is in the charter (886) of
Henry II, which provided, 1182, that Godstow should be * vtterly
quyte fro shires and hundredis, pleis and playntis, helpys and
assises, yelde and danegelde, of murthere and of theeft, of scuage,
yiftis, scottis, and workes of castels and bowses, walles, parkes,
stywys, dichis, and briggis, of summage and cariage, of warde peny
and aver peny, hundrede peny and thederyng peny'. This exemp-
tion seems to have extended only to the properties which Godstow
then had. Land at Rissington, Gloucestershire, was conveyed (188)
to Godstow ' acquyted of all sutes, that is to sey, of shire and hun-
dred and of ridyng, uttirly '. At King's Clere land was granted
(223) to Godstow free of 'sewte of courtes of shyrys, hundredys,
law-day ', the last being the court leet (60). ' Ward penny ' was
a contribution to the payment of the garrison of the chief castle in
Ixiv Burdens on land — Leases of lands
the district. In Berkshire, e.g. a small holding (34) at Wytham
paid a half-penny 'to the warde of Wyndesore whan hyt corny th, at
every terme i-sette by the yere'. In Essex, in 1350, the bishop
of London's tenants at Wickham Bishops, near Maldon, paid
'ward-penny* yearly at Hock-day to the castle at Bishop's
Stortford, in Herts.
Management of estates.
Leases and grants by Grodstow and other landowners occupy
a very large part of the Register. We may therefore condense the
information contained in them and reduce it to order, taking, first
of all, agricultural land, and next, house property.
Leases of lands.
Leases for terms of years. We have a ten-years lease (696),
with compensation to tenant for improvements made during the
lease; a twelve-years lease (813), with (contrary to the usual prac-
tice) power to sublet ; a sixteen-years lease (482), with tillage
speculations; a lease (630) for ten years certain, with extension to
a second ten years term, if either husband or wife live so long,
with right to the standing crops at the end of the lease, but
reservation by the lessor of powers to resume possession if the
land is not tilled every year. Tillage conditions occur among the
complicated provisions of the lease (91) of Wycombe rectory.
There are two instances (524, 620) of permanent increase of rent,
because the lessor had advanced money on the land. Leases (431,
483) often expressly reserve the timber. Power of distraint for
rent is reserved (630) over even the plough-beasts, in contradiction
of the old feudal custom of waynage.
Leases for lives. Of leases for one life, a typical instance (184)
specifies payment of a lump sum, a small yearly rent during the
lease, and suit to court. In another (627) £2 6s. 8d. was paid
down; the rent per annum per acre was 6d. ; suit to court
is not mentioned. Among leases for two lives, we may instance
a lease (453) to husband and wife and the longest liver of them ;
a similar lease (742), but with reservation by the lessor of right
of re-entry at the end of the first ten years another (818), with
extension for one year after the second decease, to allow of the
estate being wound up. A fishery is leased (540) to the longest
Leases of lands — Leases of house-property Ixv
liver of two partners. Among leases for three lives, we have
a lease (637) to husband, wife, and daughter; a lease (663) to hus-
band, wife, and possibly son-in-law ; a lease (731) to husband, wife,
and son, with obligation on the lessor to find straw for repairs.
A complicated lease (228) at King's Clere granted the land to
the son on payment of rent in money, but if he predeceased his
father, it was to pass in life-rent to the father, to be held not by
money but by the old services (p. Iviii).
Perpetual leases are found, e.g. to St. Oswald's priory, Gloucester,
of land (174) in Gloucester; and to Burford priory, of land (284)
at Asthall-lejgh, after trouble ,(283) about the rent. Grants to
heirs and assigns abound, amounting to perpetual leases, at a small
quit-rent.
In .1540 (Monast. iv. 371) we find the receiver-general of
Godstow making two progresses each year to collect the rents.
Leases of house-property.
Leases of house-property bind the tenant to keep the buildings
in repair ; forbid subletting without leave ; and reserve powers of
distraint and re-entry. After these general features we have a great
variety of special provisions. We have leases for 40 years (632) ;
for 40 years (7*10), unless cut short by death of the lessee; for 60
years (631). We have also leases for lives, as (685) to husband and
wife ; or (706) to husband for life and to his wife during her widow-
hood; frequently (261, 263, 629, 656) to husband, wife, and son,
and (648) to husband and wife and for life-term of their children.
Building leases.
There are several leases with definite provisions as to new&uildings
to be erected on the site. Thus, there is an agreement (85) to
remit arrears of a rent-charge, on condition of the tenant rebuilding ;
a lease (180) for 70 years, the tenant being bound to 'make oon
competente howse newe there, with his own costes and expensis,
within the 3ere next folowyng'; a lease (655), to husband and wife
and the longest liver of them ; a lease (683), to husband and wife,
the rent to be raised after the first ten years; a lease (628), to
husband, wife, and daughter, and to the longest liver of them ;
a lease (633), to husband, wife, and daughter, but the whole term
of the lease not to exceed 20 years.
Ixvi Leases of house-property
Grants to heirs of body.
Grants of house-property are often made to people and their
heirs of body, and form a sort of long lease of speculative duration.
A messuage (625) was granted to Richard of Handborough and ' his
heiris of his body lawfully i-gote', at a quit-rent of 135. ^d.
yearly, with suit to court twice a year, under obligation to repair,
and not to transfer the property without leave. Another messuage
(626) was granted to Robert of Milton ' and to the heires of his body
lawfully begote', quit-rent to be 133. ^d. yearly, with 'ii. dayes
journey in hervest', twice suit of court, under covenant not to
sell or assign, and under obligations to repair and to find
a ' borow ' (surety) for payment of the rent. Similarly, two mes-
suages (693) were granted to William le gloser 'and to his heires of
his body i-gote ' ; quit-rent to be id. at Easter ; the property not
to be sold, given away, or mortgaged ; if said William die without
heir of body, * anon after the decesse ' the messuages shall ' turne
agayn ' to the grantor and his heirs,
Special provisions in leases.
Some exceptional provisions of the leases may be brought
together, as acquiring added interest by comparison.
In 1331, in the lease (91) of Wycombe rectory we have an anti-
cipation of the ' war-risks ' of modern insurance. The lessees
'pease I-supposed and had of that countre, shold susteyne and leve
that manere aforsaid in al so good state or better then they
resceived hit, and they sholde repaire sufficiantly the chauncell of the
said chirche in all coueryng to all that terme aforsaid, all casis of
fortune out-take (the which shold not be put to them) '.
The provisions in prospect of accident by fire or flood are note-
worthy. In Oxford, the tenant of Ship hall was bound (562)
to rebuild, if the fire began in the house itself : if the fire came from
outside, the lessor was to be responsible. In the country, where
the buildings stood alone, the tenant was made to take all risks.
The grant (161), subject to a yearly quit-rent, of Frampton mill
gave Godstow extensive powers of distraint to compel the tenant
to rebuild if the mill were 'drownid, brennid, or distruid bi
defaute of amendinge '. So also (15) at Duxford mills.
An agreement (143) as to payment of a rent-charge from Maiden-
Newton, Dorsetshire, contains odd arrangements as to payment at
Special covenants in leases — Terms of payment Ixvii
a given place and entertainment of the messenger who brought the
money during his necessary stay at that place.
Special covenants in leases.
In one lease (631) for a long term of years, a clause is inserted
granting the lessee or his heir the first offer of a new lease when
the old one expires.
Several of the distraint clauses have individual peculiarities.
In one grant (136) the tenant is bound, in his own disparagement, to
keep up on the site of a house ' sufficient to neme and to distreyne
for the forsaid rente and the arreragis of hit, yf ther happened
ony '. In other agreements (460-1) the tenant finds sureties who
jointly with him pledge themselves to submit to distraint either by
the bailiff of Godstow or by an officer of the king. At Duxford
(9, 15) and in St. Michael's North Gate, Oxford (678), and at
Gloucester (176), we seem to have acceptance of permanent reduc-
tion in the amount of a rent-charge in order to secure more effective
powers. At Asthall-leigh (283) we have a peculiar case. The
tenant, after incurring a considerable debt for arrears of quit-rent,
had granted a ten year** lease of the property to a sub-tenant. This
sub-tenant paid Godstow a fee to persuade the convent not to dis-
train on the property for the arrears until after his lease had run
out. The ' custom of Oxford ' as regards sale of goods seized in
distraint is mentioned (628), about 1300.
Terms of payment.
There is an extraordinary variety in the dates at which rents and
quit-rents were required to be paid.
In the case of payments once a year, Michaelmas was probably
the most usual term. Next in frequency come Easter and Christ-
mas, the one occurring about as often as the other. Then,
"Whitsuntide and Martinmas (Nov. n), less frequently than the
preceding, but about an equal number of times with each other.
We have also : — Hilary (Jan. 13 : 174), Ladyday (March 25 : 180),
Octave of Easter (384), Peter and Paul (June 29 : 394), Lammas
(Aug. i: 351), Bartholomew (Aug. 24: 586), Nativity of Mary
(Sept. 8: 641), Frideswyde (Oct. 19: 683), Lucy (Dec. 13: 813),
Thomas the apostle (Dec. 21 : 429).
Half-yearly payments are most frequently at Ladyday and
Ixviii Tei^ms of payment — Payments in kind
Michaelmas, but Easter and Michaelmas are often found. "We have
also Natale of Mary (Jan. i) and Michaelmas (13); Candlemas
(Feb. 2) and Midsummer (161); Ladyday (91) and Margaret
(July 20); Ladyday and Lammas (84); Ladyday (268) and
Assumption of Mary (Aug. 15); Ladyday (524) and All Saints
(Nov. i); Midlent and Michaelmas (217); Palm Sunday and
Michaelmas (526); Easter Monday and Michaelmas (548, 549);
Hockday (2nd Tuesday after Easter) and Michaelmas (815);
Hockday and All Saints (664) ; Ascensiontide and Martinmas
(630); Whitsuntide and Martinmas (195); Octave of Whitsuntide
and Octave of Martinmas (241); Octave of Whitsuntide and
Octave of All Saints (308); Midsummer and Michaelmas (223);
Midsummer (70) and Andrew (Nov. 30) ; Midsummer and Thomas
Apostle (461) ; Midsummer and Christmas (488). The combination
Sexagesima Sunday and Midlent Sunday (252) was made under
special circumstances. It renders possible the conjunction of
Michaelmas and Christmas (279).
The most frequent set of quarterly terms is Easter, Midsummer,
Michaelmas, and Christmas. Another common set is Ladyday,
Midsummer, Michaelmas, Christmas; and another Ladyday, Mid-
summer, Michaelmas, Thomas Apostle. "We are told (685) that
Thomas Apostle was the usual term-day in Oxford. Another com-
bination is (561) Easter, Michaelmas, Martinmas, Christmas.
Payments at three terms of the year are also found, especially at
Brackley in Northamptonshire. Candlemas, Midsummer, Michael-
mas (257, 855) ; Candlemas, Whitsuntide, Michaelmas (256, 263,
617); Candlemas, Trinity. Sunday, Michaelmas (261).
Payments in -money and in kind.
Payments of rent wholly or partly in kind have been mentioned
(p. Ivii). The same thing occurs with ordinary bargains and
purchases. Thus, for land in St. Giles, Oxford (583) an annuity of
6 quarters of wheat was asked. Other payments are : — 35. and
i quarter of wheat (387)^; i marc of silver and half a quarter of
beans (408) ; ros. of silver and 12 bushels of wheat (404) ; 7 marcs
and two loads of barley (572). At Gloucester (173) payment is made
in money, in wheat, and in rye. We have also (215) .£3 185. 4$. in
money, and two silver cups; and (384) £46 135. 4^. in money
with a palfrey ' of the price of v. marc ' ; and (60 1) 405. to the bus-
Payments in kind Ixix
band and to the wife ' i curtell (kirtle) of Irissh clothe '. Of com-
plimentary payments between great folk we find (197) silver cups
given for a grant. Of farm bargains, we have (480) surrender of
a lease and of certain standing crops in lieu of any money payment.
Marriage and dower.
Frequent allusions are found to the relations between property and
married women, but, as was to be expected, they are all very slight.
Dr. John Cowell, in The Interpreter (1607^ under the word ' dower '
bewails the confounding in English law, under the same name, of
two distinct things (a) the portion given to a wife by her own
kindred, (b) the rights over her husband's property acquired by the
wife through her marriage.
The former of these, viz. lands belonging to the wife in her own
right, were at this time often called ' marriage ', and examples occur
in nos. 145, 342, 517, 862. The variant 'fre marriage* applied
specially to grants in which the wife's kinsman gave the land free
from feudal superiorities for two generations. Instances occur (353,
749) of the deed of entail by which the maritagium was governed.
The recognition of the necessity of providing a portion for
a marriageable woman is attested by the deed (482) in which
Maud Eace raises money for her * grete nede, that is to sey, to mary
her doughtirs', and in the confirmation (484) of that deed by
her son.
The rights which came to the wife by her marriage were of two
sorts. In some cases, the amount of the jointure which the widow
should enjoy was determined by a special gift (650), made by the
husband according to old custom at the door of the church on
coming out from the wedding. In the absence of such special
provision, the widow was entitled, for her widowhood, to a third
part of her husband's lands (268). Instances abound in which
Godstow, having bought a property from the husband, after his
death buys also the widow's jointure-right. Thus (415) at
Cassington a widow ' in her lawfull wedowhode and with her owne
fre wille, relesed and quyte-claimed to ... Godstow ... for ever,
all her right and clayme that she had or in ony wyse myght have
by the name of her dowre ... in all ... londes . . . that at that
tyme were or ever shold be of the fee of William somtyme her
husbonde'. Similarly, at Milcomb, a widow surrendered (481) 'all
Ixx Marriage portions and jointures — Money
the right and clayme that she had or myght have by the name
her dowry in the third parte of xvi. acres of arable lond ' once held
by her husband. It would appear (482-4) that, before a widow
could grant a lease of her jointure-land, she had to obtain the
consent of the reversionary heir.
In one deed (379) the 'marriage' and the 'dower' seem joined
together, the text running 'all her right that she had or might
have bothe by her dowry and by-cause of her marriage '.
It is probably to the reversionary rights of the wife to jointure,
and of the son to inheritance, that we are to ascribe the addition of
complimentary payments to the wife, or to the wife and son, beyond
the payment to the actual seller of the land. Isold of Middleton,
buying (60 1) the interest of Thomas Scott and his wife Lucy in
a messuage, ' yaf to them xl. shillings of sterlyngis before handis
in warison and i curtell to the said Luce of Irissh clothe.' At
Eissington, Gloucestershire, the purchaser paid (i 88) to the seller
of the land ' before handis vi. mark of silver, and to Sibile his wyf,
xiid. ', and Godstow, in the same parish (190), paid to the seller
' ix. marke of silver into waryson, and to Sibille his wyf, half
a marke'. Similarly, at Cassington, a purchaser gave (336) to the
seller and his wife ' ii. besauntis and to William his sone a swerde
price of xiief. '; and another paid (344) to the seller and his wife
' xx. shillings of sterlyngis and to Peter ther sone and heire, xiid.'
Other references are 188, 463, 574.
Genealogies.
Mr. J. Horace Round has shown that certain of these Godstow
deeds (847-9) furnish the clue which explains an intricate point in
the history of the Earldom of Hereford. It is possible that slight
additions to other family trees, as, e. g. to that of the Despencers,
may be made by experts, now that all the Godstow deeds are
accessible.
Money.
Two circumstances show that, for the most part, the penny was
the unit of reckoning in the people's thoughts. Where the amount
is one shilling it is never so expressed, but always twelve-pence,
xiid. We find (353, 439) ' pennies ' used as equivalent to ' money '.
The best instance occurs in 1259, when, in regard of 53 marcs
Money Ixxi
(£35 6s. 8d.), the place is specified (76) in which ' the seyd penyes
shold be payd '.
In the deeds, in reckonings by pennies, we have certain sets of
multiples of the penny whose constant recurrence suggests three
primitive ways of counting by application of the fingers. For
large sums, we assume that a bag of pennies was emptied on
a table and that all the fingers and thumbs of both hands were
used to push out tens. We have thus an extremely common series,
iod., 2od., 4od., Sod. This last, i.e. 65. 8d.> is the oft-mentioned
half-marc. Its double, i6od., is the marc (135. 4c?.), and was the
unit in general use to express the larger sums of money. For
smaller sums, one way of count may have been with the fourth and
little fingers folded in and the thumb and two fingers used to push
out threes, so yielding the constantly recurring series, yd., 6d., gd.,
izd., i'5<£, iSd., 2id. The four fingers without the thumb account
for another set of multiples, 4^., 8d., i2d., i6d.
Where the shilling is used as the unit, the reckoning proceeds by.
the same multiples of ten, three, four. The pound is rarely men-
tioned, its place being taken by 20$., 40$., 6os., 8os., IOQS. The
crown is not mentioned, but its existence may be perhaps inferred
from our never finding 300?., but always 23. 6d. (i. e. half a crown).
The bezant of gold is mentioned once (456), The bezant of
silver, probably worth 23., occurs more frequently (336, 527, &c.).
This 25., coin is also called (151) a gulden.
In almost every place where money is mentioned, the words ' of
silver ' or ' of sterlings ' are added ; thus (352}' x. marke of siluer ',
and (617, 844)' id. of siluer', and (350) ' xx. shillings of sterlyngis '.
Note must be made, however, of the deed (466) at Langford, on
the debatable land between Berkshire and Oxfordshire, which
directs payment of ' xiid. at Estir of the most used money in the
towne of Langeford, unto the workes of ' Lincoln Minster.
Ecclesiastical Notes.
The foregoing notes have all had reference to matters civil. We
turn now to church affairs and find bits of information, scanty and
scrappy, but capable of being soldered into distinct heads.
Formation of parishes.
We have several hints as to the manner in which English land
became portioned out into parishes. Perhaps the most interesting
Ixxii Formation of parishes
of these deeds, being also the ones in which Godstow was most
nearly concerned, describe the ecclesiastical partition of the district
outside the north waft of Oxford between the parallel streams of
Thames and Cherwell, which formed part of the ancient franchises
(p; xxi) of the town. The suggestion of these deeds is that, just
after the Norman conquest this district presented only bare fields
and meadow, the tillers of the soil perhaps driving out their cattle
from the shelter of the city wall and trench in the morning and
bringing them back in the evening. At this time the land was
known by three vague names, Walton being the strip which lay
nearest the Thames on the west, Holywell skirting the Cherwell
on the east and extending northwards as far as "Wolvercote, and
Beaumont (continued northwards by Bradmore) occupying the
middle space. Ecclesiastically, Walton and Beaumont belonged to
the church of St. George in the Castle, Holywell and Wolvercote
to St. Peter's in the East. The boundary between the two is now
represented by the road which runs north past Wadham College
and the Parks. A diagram will serve to make this plain.
BradmoreV
o I y w e II
Ditch == Parish Boundary _^ __
About 1 1 oo, considerable changes were made. The castellans
of Oxford, the great D'oylly family, when they turned St. George's
into a conventual church, divided its parish into two, building the
churches of St. Nicholas (afterwards St. Thomas Becket), to which
the western suburb and Walton were assigned, and St. Mary
Magdalene, which received Beaumont. Eilwyne, son of Godegose,
Formation of parishes
Ixxiii
otherwise unknown, obtained further north a great stretch of land
for the church which he built and dedicated to St. Giles, the
favourite patron saint { in the fields '. The rector of the rich
benefice of St. Peter in the East built, or allowed to be built,
churches at Holywell and Wolvercote, but retained them in subjec-
tion as chapels-of-ease to St. Peter's. This is shown in a second
diagram.
\
to Wolvercote Chapel
* Zfimiks
9 Giles
Holycross Chapej^
-^Nicholas
(St Thomas)
The boundaries must have been vague, arable land then lying
in intermingled strips. Hence came great lawsuits about tithes,
between Oseney abbey, as rector of St. George's (and the daughter
churches St. Nicholas and St. Mary Magdalene), and Godstow, as
rector of St. Giles's, 1190 onwards (493-9).
In the same way, Easington, Oxfordshire, was originally a chapel-
of-ease of Pirton parish, and we have a record of the suit (440)
which erected it into an independent parish.
Dinton in Buckinghamshire gives a striking example of the way
in which the accumulation of church lands in monastic hands
impoverished and choked the growth of church life in rural England.
The lord of the manor had built (60) a chapel in the hamlet of
Ford in that large parish (3,800 acres), and given a yardland to the
f
Ixxiv Formation of parishes — Monastic chapels
rectory of Dinton to provide for service (64) in Ford chapel three
days a week. Then, yielding to the passion of the age for conventual
life, his successor bestowed (52) the rectory of Dinton, with (of course)
the yardland, on Godstow, and the convent became responsible for the
services alike of the parish church of Dinton and of its chapel-of-ease
at Ford. Under this arrangement, the income of the church of
Dinton was spent at Godstow, and the services at Dinton performed
by a chaplain named by Godstow and paid such allowance as he
and the convent agreed upon. We next find (64) the chaplain in
question protesting that his income was too small to bear the
burden of the duty in the chapel-of-ease. The Court Leet of Dinton
manor (60), the king's court for the county (61), and the diocesan's
official (62) successively try to compel the chaplain to maintain the
services. In the end, if we may judge by a deed (65) of 1374? the
inhabitants of Ford clubbed together to pay a chaplain of their own,
and obtained leave from the diocesan to have the services in Ford
chapel performed by this chaplain.
Water-eaton by Cricklade was, in the same way, a chapel-of-ease
of Eisey parish. In this case the interests of the chapel-of-ease
were watched over by Godstow, the owner of the manor of Water-
eaton, and those of the parish church by its rector/being a powerful
monastery, Cirencester abbey. We thus get unusually fall
statements (851-2) both of the services a chapel-of-ease claimed
from the mother church, and of the emoluments the rectory received
from the chapel.
The situation at Milcomb has peculiarities of its own. There
Godstow and Einsham abbey contribute towards the settlement of
a chaplain (478), and the tithes of the chapelry are the subject of
dispute between two adjacent parishes, Bloxham and Wigginton.
Monastic chapels.
It is well known that the rectors of parish churches looked
askance on the erection within their limits of monastic or semi-
monastic chapels. They feared that the more popular chapel would
lessen the reputation, offerings, and legacies of the parish church.
Accordingly, among the causes of excommunication they got a clause
inserted forbidding the regular clergy from inducing people (p. x)
to desire burial in a conventual chapel rather than in their parish
church. It was with extreme reluctance that they consented to the
Monastic chapels — Impropriation of rectories Ixxv
building of such chapels and the opening of their services to
outsiders. When a religious house was rector of a parish church
it shared to the full in this antipathy to monastic chapels. In
Wycombe it was only after appeal to Rome that the Master and
Brethren of St. John Baptist's Hospital obtained the consent of
Godstow, as rector of Wycombe, to having public services in the
Hospital chapel, and even then their charter (99), in many odd
particulars, compelled them to contribute to the prestige and to the
revenues of the parish church.
Imjrropriation of rectories.
The manner in which the impropriation of rectories by monastic
houses was worked is shown in one or two places. At first, the
monastery took the whole revenues of the church, paying only
a small pension to a cleric, who was called a chaplain of Godstow,
to perform the services. The position of this cleric was doubly
insecure. He might be dismissed by the bishop on ecclesiastical
grounds. The privileges of Godstow entitled the abbess to remove
him from his chaplaincy, much at her own will and pleasure. This
was the state of affairs created by the grant (4, 866) of Alexander,
Bishop of Lincoln, in 1 139 ; confirmed, fifty years later, by Bishop
Hugh of Avalon (869); confirmed also (902) by Pope Celestine
III, about 1192. It would appear that the Lateran Council, 1215,
dealt with this matter. At any rate, immediately after its session,
we find chaplains paid at the discretion of and removable at the
will of the abbess replaced by perpetual vicars, who cannot be
removed except by the bishop for ecclesiastical offence, and are paid
by certain dues and tithes secured by the deed which established
the vicarages. Hence we have the long and interesting deed (871),
in which Bishop Hugh of Welles, 1221, c ordeyned, by the autorite
of the couucel, in the churchy s of Wycombe, Bloxham, and of seynt
Gylys without Oxenford . . . perpetual vicarys at the presentacion
of ... Godstowe.'
The grant of a rectory was often made subject to the life-interest
of the then rector, as at Bloxham (306) and Dinton (53), and the
impropriation was delayed till his death or cession.
Another plan was to assign to the monastic house a pension out
of the revenues of the church, and, subject to that charge, to leave
the parson of the church in his former position. This was done at
f 2
Ixxvi Impropriation of rectories — Tithes
Lamyat in Somerset (780-1), Farringdon in Hampshire (2O\
Easington in Oxfordshire (442), St. Mary le Crypt in Gloucester
(163-4), and Daglingworth in Gloucestershire (150). From the
number of confirmations and suits connected with such pensions, it
is plain that the tax was bitterly resented by the parochial clergy.
There is a lease (91) of the rectory of Wy combe in 1331, which
contains many interesting details.
Tithes.
The deeds contain a multitude of references to tithe, but the in-
formation is often vague, and much of the earlier part results in
mere guess-work.
In the earliest period of all, the suggestion of the deeds is that
a lord of a manor was under obligation to pay tithes, but had free
choice of the church to which he paid them. In the next period,
we find the tithe-payer assigning his tithes permanently to some
particular church or convent, by a deed which neither he nor his
heirs could afterwards recall. Thus, before 1140, Walter, arch-
deacon of Oxford, assigned to St. Giles's church the tithe of his land
(570) in Walton, but to Godstow the tithe of his land (436) in
Cutslow. At Sewkeworth, we have three separate assignments of
tithe (25-7), tithe of the corn-mills to Godstow, tithe of the
fulling-mills to Godstow, tithe of meadow to Sewkeworth church.
At Wycombe, certain land-owners had assigned the tithes of their
lands (93-4) to Bee abbey in Normandy. At Bloxham, Aniary of
St. Amand assigned (310) the tithes of his lands to Godstow; and
as late as 1338, Sir Roger Beauchamp granted (312) the tithes of
his Bloxham lands to Godstow. In this latter instance, the grant
included tithe of assarts (p. liii).
From the Wycornbe deeds (93-4) the inference is that, when the
lord of a manor bestowed his tithe on a church other than the
church of the parish in which his lands lay, church custom strictly
reserved to the parish church the tithe of each thirtieth acre.
We find a multitude of suits about tithe, many of them decided
only after appeal (xlvii) to Rome.
The ground of dispute was often indistinctness of boundaries, as
apparently at Walton outside Oxford (493, 498-9) and at Milcombe
near Bloxham (476-7). In other cases a papal privilege clashed
with the common law of England. In 1192 Pope Celestine Ill's
Tithes — Great and small tithes Ixxvii
charter (902) granted to Godstow that 'no man shall presume to
take or aske of yow tythes of youre noualle that ye tele with youre
hondes or costis, or of the norisshyng of youre bestis, or of the
frutes of youre trees, or of the usis of fisshyngis '. Novale is defined
(31) as 'a feld yerly tyllyd, or ellys euyry other year', i.e.,
apparently, not permanent arable, and so never under crop for more
than one year at a time or for more than two crops. It would thus
correspond to outfield cultivation as depicted in Scott's Monastery,
chap. xiii. The claim (31) of the parson of Wytham for tithe was
repelled, in 1245, because the croft of which the tithe was claimed
was of this cultivation. Part of the claim (775) by the vicar of
St. Peter in the East in Wolvercote was rejected, in 1239, because
of the above-cited privilege as regards Godstow cattle. The ex-
emption from paying tithes on fishings seems stretched to imply
exemption from paying tithes on the mills to which (p. Ixi) the
fisheries were often attached. The claim of the vicar of St. Peter
in the East just mentioned included a demand for tithe of Wolvercote
mills, which was set aside because of this privilege : and so also
(i 60) the claim of the parson of Frampton, in 1229, for the tithe
of Frampton mill. Other suits were begun to enforce payment of
tithes which had been withheld. Thus, after impropriating the
rectory of Wycombe, Godstow demanded and obtained (92) tithes of
the corn and fulling-mills in that parish.
Great and small tithes.
Tithes were divided (310, 476, 777, 851-2) into 'more and
less '. After the settlement of perpetual vicarages in impropriated
rectories, the ordinary arrangement was to assign (as in no. 871) the
great tithes to the impropriator and the small tithes to the vicar.
The division-line between the two is nowhere clearly stated in
these deeds, but the general result is as follows.
Small or vicarial tithe included (871) tithes of cheeses, of geese,
of gardens and orchards. Also, where the stock-owner had too few
new-born beasts in the year to yield a * tithe ' (or tenth) pig, lamb,
or calf, there was a fixed tithe- commutation charge of \d. or id. on
each new-born beast. This went to the vicar, and is called (305)
c tithe of silver'.
Great or rectorial tithe is set forth in nos. 91, 312, 871. The
chief item in it was the tithe of sheaves of grain of every sort, each
Ixxviii Tithes — Lights in churches
tenth sheaf (903) being collected on the field and conveyed to
rectory tithe-barn (851). There were also tithe of hay (otherwise
called, of meadow), tithe of pasture (i. e. of new-born cattle, viz.
pigs, lambs, calves), tithe of wool, tithe of flax (305) and hemp
(p, liii), tithe of fullers' teazles, which seem to have all ranked as
rectorial tithe.
The tithe of fish (25) and the tithe of the multures and profits of
corn-mills and of the profits of fulling-mills (25-6, 92,438) perhaps
(judging by the claim in no. 775) counted as vicarial tithe.
There is also mention of the tithe of underwood (312), of the
profits of hunting (894), of eel-ponds (894), and of pigeons in dove-
houses (476). It may be, however, that these were special grants
to a convent, and had no place among ordinary parochial tithes.
. Lights in churches.
A frequent object of bequests was the maintenance of the ' light '
or Mights' in a given church. Thus, Westminster Abbey devoted
the pension of £3 6s. Sd. which it received (308) out of Bloxham
church * to the sexten of the churche of Westmynster ... to the
lyht of the auter '. A burgage in Cricklade was given (8 1 5) for ' the
susteynynge of a lyhte in wex a-fore the cros in the quere of the
monasteri of Godestowe '. Gilbert of Biham's executors assigned a
small endowment (373) to the light of the Lady chapel at Godstow.
At Cassington we find (394) a quit-rent of a half-penny yearly 'to
the light of our Lady of Karsynton '. This would be the light in the
Lady Chapel, because Cassington is dedicated to St. Peter. In
Oxford we have yearly rent-charges for lights, one (617) 'vi. d. to
the light of seynt Gyle ' ; another (676) ' to the light of seynt Michell
chirche at the southe yate of Oxenford \\d. at Cristmasse '. Elabo-
rate directions (807) are given by Roger of Writele for wax-candles
and lamps endowed by him in the churches of Broad Blunsdon and
Highworth in Wiltshire. In two Godstow churches special
arrangements are made (871) about the division between Godstow
and the vicars of the offerings of candles. At Wycombe Godstow
took the larger share ; at St. Giles's, Oxford, much the less.
These offerings of candles were chiefly made on the Purification
of Mary (Feb. 2), and gave that festival its popular name of
Candlemas day.
The presentation of wax-candles as a mark of respect to a mother
church has been noticed (p. xlvi).
Church customs Ixxix
Double ownership of obit or chantry lands.
In endowments to provide prayers for the soul of the donor, we
find several times a double ownership established, e. g., by the lands
being granted first to one monastic house and then conveyed to
another monastery at a distance, but now subject to a quit-rent to
the first monastery. This occurs so often that it must be inten-
tional, and a likely motive seems to be to get additional security for
the continuous performance of the commemorative services by
freeing them from possibility of interruption by local causes,
insurrections, pestilences, and the like. Thus, we have the con-
junction of Godstow with St. James's Abbey by Northampton in
the Bozeat property (249-52); of Godstow with Thame Abbey at
Boarstall (81-3), of Godstow and Wroxton at Syston in Lincoln-
shire (240-2). Possibly, also, this would explain the conjunction
of Godstow with the Norman abbey of Bertincourt at Duxford in
Berkshire (9-12).
Married clergy.
In two places we may possibly trace the tradition of marriage
among the clergy. At Shillingford (717), about 1140, Walter,
Archdeacon of Oxford, gave to Godstow land which had belonged
to a lady who is termed by him in the Latin ' Brityna arnica mea ',
and who in the English version is styled ' his leman '. In Oxford we
have (572), in 1205, ' Willelmus films decani,' and (573) ' Willelmus
filius Nigelli quondam decani Oxon.'
Minor church customs.
Presentation on the altar. The ceremony of presenting gifts by
laying the gift, or the deed conferring it, on the altar is referred to
several times (185, 436). In one place (186) we are told that the
object of the ceremony was to ensure the undisputed possession
of it to the church by bringing its violation under the provisions of
the greater excommunication.
Church-scot, an offering of threshed corn at Martinmas (Nov. n),
is found at Bloxham (871), where Godstow assigned it to the vicar
as part of his stipend.
In Bloxham there was an offering (possibly identical with the
church-scot) of ' corn menglyd that is to sey, of whete corne and of
rye ' which the ' power nedy parysshens ' claimed (311) for distribu-
Ixxx Church customs
tion as a weekly dole, but unsuccessfully, having no title-deed to
show.
At Great Tew, Godstow provided (762) ' ii. galons of wyne or xd.
to the parisshens of Tywe, to be communed at the fest of Ester'.
This was about 1329. The practice of administering the Eucharist
in one kind only made slower progress in England than abroad. In
some places the older practice of administering in both kinds con-
tinued. In others, by way of compromise, communicants shared a
cup of unconsecrated wine. This will account for the amount of
wine required for the Easter communion. It was not till 1415, in
the Council of Constance, that communion in one kind only was
enjoined authoritatively.
The modern Easter egg appears (87 1) in offerings of eggs on Easter
Eve.
The recluse of Meysey Hampton was of consideration enough to
have a man specially attached to his service (182-3).
A shadow of baronial authority seems conferred on bishops by the
archaic formula of some of the earlier deeds in which a donor in-
timates to the bishop a merely secular gift to the church : e. g. at
Combe (861).
The rural deans appear as executive officers in frequent employ-
ment: the dean of Broughton (476), of Cirencester (149), of
Gloucester (160), of Iffley and Great Marlow (92).
Churches are used to transact ordinary law business : e. g. St.
Mary Magdalene Church, Oxford, in 1309, to seal a surrender (262)
of property in Bloxham.
Thus we see that a set of documents which on first examination
seems to contain nothing except barren law-terms, may yet be rich
in information about the way of life and the surroundings of the
people through three centuries.
In conclusion I have to express my warm thanks to the Rev.
F. "W. Weaver of Milton-Clevedon, the Rev. S. Spencer Pearce of
Combe Longa, Falconer Madan, G. E. Cokayne, and other corre-
spondents whose kindness in answering questions has largely
made up for my distance from a library. I owe especial gratitude
to our late Director for forbearance, encouragement, and valued
counsel.
ANDREW CLARK.
Ixxxi
Visitation of G-odstow Nunnery by the diocesan,
William, Bishop of Lincoln, 1432, 10 Henr. VI.
William Grey, Dean of York in 1421, was consecrated Bishop of
London, 6 May, 1426, and translated to the see of Lincoln, 30 April,
1431. In the second year of his rule of Lincoln diocese, reports
of lax discipline at Godstow Abbey constrained him personally to
visit that nunnery. After this visitation he issued injunctions for
its better government. Two years later he was vexed by reports
that the Abbess and her nuns, despising his injunctions, continued
in their former lax courses.
It was then the evil time of the boy-king Henry VI, born
6 Dec. 1421, crowned King of England at Westminster 6 Nov.
1429, and King of France at Paris, 17 Dec. 1431. English ascen-
dancy in France, even under the guidance of the king's wise uncle,
John, Duke of Bedford, was vanishing. Home affairs were in tur-
moil through the intrigues of the king's ambitious and reckless
uncle, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. Pressure of public affairs,
accordingly, in church and in state, in England and in France,
prevented Bishop Grey from again personally looking into matters
at Godstow. He therefore delegated his authority to Thomas
Hooknorton, Abbot of Oseney (1430-1452), and Robert Thornton,
a graduate in Civil and Canon Law. The text of his Commission
is preserved in Bishop Grey's Register at Lincoln, fol. 167, and is
here given. A translation is added, with a short comment.
It may be questioned whether the inquiry resulted in any
practical reform. The Commission was issued 7 June, 1434 ;
Bishop Grey died February, I43f. The whole matter, presum-
ably, would have to be gone into afresh by Grey's successor,
William Alnwick.
Willhelmus, permissione diuina Lincolniensis episcopus, dilectis Address,
filiis Abbati monasterii de Oseneye, ordinis sancti Augustini, no-
stre diocesis, et Magistro Roberto Thorneton, in legibus licentiato,
salutem, graciam et benedictionem.
Visitantes iamdudum iure et auctoritate nostra ordinaria Lately we
monasterium de Godestowe, ordinis sancti Benedicti, dicte nostre
diocesis, tarn in capite quam in inembris eiusdem ; ac super statu Abbey,
et regimine ipsius monasterii tarn in spiritualibus quam in tern-
Ixxxii Visitation of Godstow Nunnery by
juiring into poralibus, singularumque personarum eiusdem vita moribus et
8 conduct of . . „ . . , . , . . ,
inmates. conuersatione, prout ex omen nostri debito nobis incumbebat,
solicite inquirentes.
e found that Quia per inquisiciones huiusmodi reperiebamus euidenter non-
muled, y nulla vetita et sacre religion! contraria inibi absque pudore com-
d issued in- mitti, certas iniunctiones, ordinaciones, et mandata nostra. licite et
ictionsfor . . ....
3 better rule canomce, pro salubriore regimine dicti Monasterii ac Abbatisse et
ry, in letters Conuentus eiusdem fecimus eisdem, quorum tenores in scedula
'bess and* ° Presentibus annexa continentur, easque et ea sub sigillo nostro
avent, praefatis Abbatisse et conuentui transmisimus, per eas, sub certis
penis, in litteris nostris eisdem Abbatisse et Conuentui super hoc
:eatening directis et liberatis, et per eas admissis et receptis (ad quas nos
jlect. referimus, et quatenus expediat pro hie insertis haberi volumus),
plenius expressatis, penitus obseruanda.
5 grieve to Verumptamen fama publica referente, et clamosa insinuatione
nours, too <lue tergiuersatione aliquali celari non potest, ad aures nostras,
o-looked° be (1UO(^ dolentes referimus, sepissime pervenit quod dicta Abbatissa
rm that the e^ Conuentus, freno obediencie dissoluto et pudicicie laxatis
bess and ^ r
:nuns, habenis, ad prioris vite sue luxum et vomitum detestabilem vt
e the dog in . ..,,..
>v. xxvi. canes impudici redeuntes, ac in inobediencie et contemptus perni-
76 gone back ciem fronte infirmata resilientes, huiusmodi ordinaciones, in-
iunctiones, et mandata nostra quasi pro ridicule et ludibrio
Iia^en*es5 eas aut ea seu eorum aliquod obseruare, penitus et
unctions, omnino, contemptibiliter et derisorie, omiserunt, et omittunt arro-
1 flouting .
: threatened ganter de presenti, penas predictas mtrepide incurrentes in suarum
graue periculum animarum, aliorum perniciosum exemplum, nostri-
que et iurisdictionis nostre episcopalis et ordinarie contemptum et
vilipendium manifesta.
addition, Nobis igitur super premissis, et an soror Maria Browne, monialis
dicti monasterii, tune impregnata aliquibus officiariis exterioribus
ve^ interioribus, citra dictam visitationem nostram, absque speciali
uggied out nostra Hcencia, fuerit subtracta, aut claustrum seu septa monasterii
ihe Con vent.
exierit ;
e Abbess aut si dicta Abbatissa aliqualem in monialem dicti monasterii iure
n without nostro perficiendam, absque nostra speciali auctoritate et mandate,
receptauerit ;
William, Bishop of Lincoln, 1432 Ixxxiii
et si alique mulieres conjugate, vel alie queuis seculares persone Women (L
preter seruientes necessaries, et presertim vxor cuinsdam cogno-
minati ffelmersham, vel vxor Ricardi Kyrkeby, infra situm dicti
monasterii prebendinaverint seu morate fuerint de die vel nocte ; are. allow«
reside in t
aut si aliqui scolares vniuersitatis Oxoniensis, graduati vel non- Nunnery.
graduati, ad ipsum monasterium accessum habuerint, aut moram in
eodeni contra formam iniunctionum nostraruin predictarum [traxe-
rint *, volentibus] plenius informari, disposuimus nos descendere ut
videremur si clamor opere compleretur, regis tamen et regnorum FnqSre in
suorum2 negociis, vniuersalisque ecclesie republica procuranda,
quominus hiis intendere valeamus notorie impediti. forbid?8
Ad inquirenduna igitur, tarn in specie quam in genere, super We give y
premissis omnibus et singulis et eorum circumstantiis vniuersis, conduct^
vocatis ad hoc ipsis Abbatissa et Conuentu in specie, et ceteris j^aU th
omnibus quorum interest ; necnon eandem Abbatissam ac singu- matters,
lares personas conuentus dicti monasterii, eorum interposito super
hoc (si expediat) iuramento, mature, et diligentius, eciam arti-
culatim,3 examinandas; ceteraque omnia et singula facienda,
exercenda et expedienda, cum omnibus et singulis emergentibus,
dependentibus, incidentibus, et connexis in premissis et eorum
quolibet, necessaria et opportuna, VOBIS, de cuius fidelitate et
circumspectionis industria plene in domino confidentes, vices
nostras committimus, tarn coniunctim quam diuisim, per presentes,
cum cuiuslibet cohercionis et executionis canonice potestate,
mandantes quatenus nos de omni eo quod feceritis et inueneritis asking yen
. . . . certify us
in premissis, ipsis expeditis, distmcte et aperte certificetis litteris writing w]
vestris (patentibus aut clausis) horum seriem et totum factum
vestrum plenius continentibus, et arete sigillatis.
Datum sub sigillo nostro ad causas in hosp
vetus templum London), septimo die rnensis Ju
Mccccxxxiiijto et nostre translacionis Anno quarto.
Datum sub sigillo nostro ad causas in hospitio nostro apud Sealed at
vetus templum London), septimo die rnensis Junii Anno doniini 7 June, 143
1 Words to this effect seem omitted. beforehand. An instance of the pro-
2 i.e. France and England. cedure is found in Anthony Wood's
3 Examination articulatim meant trial in 1692 : Wood's Life and Times,
requiring distinct answers to a series iv. 21, 29-34.
of very definite questions, drawn up
Ixxxiv Visitation of Godstow Nunnery by
b of the Iniunctiones et ordinaciones facte in monasterio de Gode-
esaid
motions, stowe, ordinis sancti Benedicti, Lincolniensis diocesis, per reve-
rendum in Christo patrem et dominum, dominum Willhelmum dei
ivery nun gracia Lincolniensem Episcopum, in visitatione sua per ipsum in
^Matins' ^cto raonasterio exercita sub Anno domini MCCCC xxxiido et sue
(&) to join translacionis Anno secundo.
he render-
of Vespers,
, at the
*r canon- [i] In primis, quod onines moniales, saltern petentes,1 omni nocte
L good' intersint matutinis in Choro, et quod exerceant chorum in missis
itate if vesperis, et aliis horis licet non psallant, tamen vt aliquid boni
on chapel legant, contemplentur, vel meditentur, secundum antiquam et
refectory laudabilem consuetudinem monasterii.
e repaired,
twelve
Jke^neir*' W ^em, quod ad minus duodecim moniales comedant omni die in
,1 there refectorio, et quod ipsum refectorium cum omni celeritate debite
ro talking reparetur.
jrbidden
•id'den [3] Item, quod silencium ab omnibus monialibus indistincte
Jes'r seruetur horis et locis debitis, et quod transgredientes in hoc acriter
tor,request- puniantur secundum regulam absque personarum accepcione.
ti a nun, is
public^ t0 M ^emJ <1UO(1 extraneivenientes ad monasterium statim ducantur
n of the jn aulam Abbatisse per ianitorem Monasterii, ubi, cognita per
personally Abbatissam causa aduentus eorum et si ob aliquam monialem
by deputy)
be present accesserint cum ea locuturi, statim pro ea mittat Abbatissa, et
3 audiat ipsa (si sibi vacet) vel alia monialis senior et discreta, de
and ipsius Abbatisse mandate, quid inter eos communicetur et loquatur
ry the vj. c^o expediatur aduentus eorum, et recedant, sic quod ibi nulla-
one, except tenus pernoctent nisi fuerit pater et mater, frater et soror monialis
3ar blood-
,tive of a illius cuius gracia ad monasterium sic venerint.
L is to stay
r-night.
he Abbey [5] Item, quod ianitor prestet iuramentum coram Abbatissa et
3 oath Consilio suo quod diligenter et fideliter custodiat magnas portas
)rve this monasterii, nee sinat aliquos extraneos intrare preterquam in
rse- forma predicta.
1 ? valentes, or potentes.
William, Bishop of Lincoln, 1432 Ixxxv
[6] Item, quod vxor ffelmersham cum tota familia sua, et alie w
mulieres prouecciores, cum sint monialibus inquiete et res mail
exempli occasione apparatus earum et eis aduentantium, sint a especially
dame Fein
monasterio penitus amote infra vnum Annum proxime futurum. sham, are
be sent aw
their vain
[7] Item, quod balliuus monasterii qui nunc est non habeat aliqua the mmsa
secreta colloquia cum aliquali moniali, cum dicat non fore aliquam exa*fple-
bonam mulierem in monasterio. istobeallc
no private
terview wi
any nun, 1
[8] Item, quod nulle sint vigilie aut potaciones post completorium ; ing slande
sed, ipso finite, omnes moniales vniformiter accedant ad dormi- g. After cc
torium et ibidem de nocte iaceant, nisi Abbatissa si infirmata
fuerit vel per extraneos impedita ad commodum et honorem
monasterii, et exceptis infirmis que tune iaceant in infirmaria. be allowed
all nuns ir
go to the d
mitory, ex
[9] Item, quod ostia claustri et dormitorii omni die claudantur et the Abbess
aperiantur horis debitis secundum regulam. taining gu
or sick nui
the Infirnc
[10] Item, quod lecta in domiciliis monialium omnino de cameris cloisterer]
suis amoueantur, preterquam pro paruis, et quod nulla monialis 11
recipiat aliquem secularem * ad aliqua solacia in cameris suis, sub at appoint
hours.
pena excommunicationis. Nam scolares Oxonienses dicunt quod I0. Nomu
possunt habere omnimoda solacia cum monialibus prout desiderare
invite anj
secular to
[ii] Item, quod celle honeste et competentes ordinentur in infir- refection i
her chaml
maria pro monialibus infirmantibus. Oxford
scholars p
of varied
[12] Item, quod iuuenes moniales sole non exeant loca claustralia at Godsto
ad curiam exteriorem, nee eciam cum socia nisi de licencia unius
presidencium relieioni petita et obtenta. have suit8
cubicles.
12. No yoi
1 ' Secularis ' was a word of doubtful dinary parish clergyman, as opposed Out of the
import, meaning sometimes (a) a lay- to a member of a religious order precincts
man or laywoman, as opposed to a (monk, friar, nun). It is often doubt- herself, n<
cleric or nun ; sometimes (b) an or- ful which meaning is to be taken. Pftir of yo
nuns witl
leave.
Ixxxvi Visitation of Godstoiv Nunnery by
13. No nun is ["13] Item, quod nulla monialis egrediatur vel exeat ad villas
to go to Oxford, L J
or other town, prope monasterium, nee ad Oxoniam, nee ad alia loca remota vel
without due
escort and propinqua, nisi sub testimonio sufficiente, et de speciali licencia
without special
leave. Abbatisse petita et obtenta.
14. No nun is
to chat with n
any secular in [14] Item, quod moniales non confabulentur cum secularibus in
the nave of the ...
church, or in navi ecclesie, nee in capellis separatis, nisi tantum in aula Abba-
any chapel
there : only as tisse et hoc in audiencia ad minus alterius solide monialis.
in Inj. 4.
15. No nun
may, with
impunity,
defy the
Abbess.
1 6. Lights are
to be kept
burning every
night in dor-
mitory and
cloister.
17. No cleric,
secular or
regular, may
enter the pre- loca claustralia vel domos monialium post completorium nee ante
cincts after
10 p.m. or pulsacionem prime ; Et quod nullus (presertim secularis) exerceat
before 7 a.m. ;
no outsider aliquam lurisdictionem in monasterio aut personis eiusdem, nisi
to have any
jurisdiction in hii quibus congruit de iure vel regulari ordine ; Nee quod Abba-
the Abbey ;
and the Abbess tissa committat vices suas ad corrigendum dilinquentes in religione
may not dele- . . . .
gate her nisi presidentibus religionis.
disciplinary
powers except
[15] Item, quod omnes moniales indifferenter obediant Abbatisse,
et transgredientes in hoc puniantur acriter secundum regulam.
[16] Item, quod lampades in dormitorio et claustro omni nocte
accendantur pro consurgentibus ad matutinas.
[i 7] Item, quod nullus secularis, frater, nee alius religiosus, intret
[l8] Item, quod nullus secularis habeat equos stantes aut pa-
ua epu y. scen^es infra gitum monasterii preterquam Senescallus Balliuus vel
1 8. No secular x
u Receptor aut alius officiarius ex debito officii sui.
or let loose to
the Abbey " [19] Item, quod illi centum solidi depositi in quadam cista infra
grounds
except the Monasterium pro releuamine egencium monialium cum omni
19. The hun- festinacione ad eundum effectum in eandem cistam restituantur
dred shillings
intended for et reponantur.
relief of poor
nuns must be
replaced in [~2o~| Item, quod omnia ostia domorum monialium versus curiam
the chest.
20. All doors exteriorem, per que potest ingredi in loca claustralia eciam si
leading from
William, Bishop of Lincoln, 1432 Ixxxvii
cetera ostia claustri fuerint pro tune clausa, omnino obstruantur, the nuns'
houses to the
vel tails firmitas vel clausura apponatur quod per ipsa ostia secu- outer court
, ., ,.. , . must be built
laribus non pateat aditus vel ingressus. up or so
sufficiently
[21] Item, quod accessus scolarium Oxoniensium ad monasterium prevent egress
omnino cohibeatur et refrenetur. or ^S^BB.
21. Oxford
r -i T i. . . /» . , . ... scholars must
\_22\ Item, quod in monasterio solum smt tres tamilie moniahum be utterly
preter familiam Abbatisse. in quarum trium familiarum qualibet
22. No more
sint ad minus sex, septem, vel octo moniales, iuxta numerum than three
. households are
moniahum in conventu. to be allowed,
and the nuns
[23] Item, quod ianitor. monasterii nee quevis alia secularis per- are to be even-
sona, queque dona, munera, litteras, aut signa, quibusuis scolaribus
Oxoniensibus aut alii persons cuicumque a monialibus differat, but the Abbess
nee a talibus scolaribus vel personis ad easdem moniales reportet ; °wn house-
hold.
nee eciam vtres cum vino, absque visu et sciencia Abbatisse, et No _
de eius licencia speciali petita et obtenta, sub pena expulsionis ab sents, letters,
officio suo in dicto monasterio per perpetuum. et si que monialis pass from nuns
to outsiders, or
contrafecerit subeat incarceracionem pro anno. from outsiders
to nuns ;
_ and no pre-
sents of wine
may be taken
Abbreviated translation of the Commission. in, unless by
consent of the
William Grey, Bishop of Lincoln, to the Abbot of Oseney and to ^SSwn*
Robert Thornton, a graduate in the Laws, greeting. offends, let him
T-» 11 /' \ 11-1 /*»••! • ' • /» /~N i i be dismissed:
Recently (in 1432) we held an official visitation of Godstow ifanun,lether
Abbey, making special inquiry as to the conduct of its inmates.
We then found, beyond all doubt, that, in several respects, con-
ventual rules were openly disobeyed.
We therefore issued stringent Injunctions (a copy of which is
appended) to the Abbess and Convent, under our seal, with a letter
(which please ask for) in which we stated the penalties we would
impose for disobedience.
We grieve to say that, by reports too frequent and clamorous to
be set aside, we are certified that the Abbess and her nuns have
openly disobeyed our Injunctions, and continue in their former
lax practices, despising our authority and flouting our threatened
punishments.
Ixxxviii Visitation of Godstow Nunnery by
In particular, these scandals are reported : —
(a) Sister Mary Browne, found at the time of our visitation to
have been got with child by some official of the Abbey, has since
been smuggled out of the Convent ;
(6) the Abbess has admitted a nun, without licence ;
(c) laywomen, such as dame Felmersham and dame Richard
Kirkby, continue to dwell within the Abbey precinct ;
(d) Oxford scholars are still frequent visitors at the Abbey,
contrary to our express order.
We wished to inquire personally into these matters, but are
prevented by the troubled state of affairs in Henry VI's realms
of France and England.
Having full confidence in your fidelity and discretion, we now
entrust this whole inquiry to you, giving you full powers to call
before you as well the Abbess and nuns, as all other persons con-
cerned; to put every member of the convent on oath; and to
constrain them all to answer to such special questions as you may
ask ; trusting that you will do all that is needful in this matter ;
and requiring you to certify us fully, by letter under your seals, as
to what you have found out about this matter, and as to what
action you have taken in it.
Given, under our smaller seal, in our lodging at Old Temple,
London, 7 June 1434, in the fourth year of our translation.
Word for word rendering of the Injunctions.
Injunctions and ordinances, made in the monastery of Godstow,
of the order of St. Benedict, of Lincoln diocese, by the reverend
father and lord in Christ, the lord William, by God's grace Bishop
of Lincoln, in the visitation made by himself in that monastery during
the year of our Lord 1432, and the second year of his translation.
Firstly, all nuns, if in good health, shall be present every morning
at Matins [shortly after midnight] in the choir ; and take part in
the choir service at Vespers [6 p.m.]. At the other canonical
hours [Prime, Tierce, Sext, Nones, Compline, i.e. about 7 a.m.,
9 a.m., noon, 4 p.m., 10 p.m.], if they are not singing the psalms,
they shall read some good book or meditate piously, according to
the old and praiseworthy custom of the Abbey.
Secondly, twelve nuns, at the least, shall take their meals
William, Bishop of Lincoln, 1432 Ixxxix
together daily in the refectory ; and the refectory must be, with
all speed, duly repaired.
Thirdly, silence is to be kept by all nuns, without exception, at
due hours and in due places, and offenders in this matter are to be
sharply punished according to the Rule, without respect of persons.
Fourthly, visitors, on coming to the Abbey, are to be straight-
way taken by the Abbey gate-keeper to the public-room of the
Abbess, and, after the Abbess has there learned the reason of their
coming, if they have come wishing speech with any nun, the
Abbess is straightway to send for that nun, and herself (if free to
do so), or some elderly and discreet nun (at the special request of
the Abbess), is to listen to all that is spoken and answered by the
one to the other, so that the visit may be speedily at an end, and
nun and visitor may go their several ways, provided always that
no person may stay the night there, unless it be father, mother,
brother, or sister, of the nun on whose account the visitor has
come to the Abbey.
Fifthly, the gate-keeper must take oath before the Abbess and
her council that he shall needfully and faithfully keep watch over
the great gate of the Abbey, and allow no outsider to enter,
except in the manner above prescribed.
Sixthly, dame Felmersham, with her whole household, and the
other elderly lady-tenants, since [by their quarrels with each other]
they disturb the nuns' quiet, and give bad example by reason of
the extravagant apparel of themselves and their visitors, are to be
altogether removed from the Abbey within the space of the year
ensuing.
Seventhly, the present bailiff of the Abbey shall have no private
meeting with any nun, since he asserts that never a nun in the
Abbey will remain pure.
Eighthly, there shall be no little parties * for gossip or sipping
wine after Compline [10 p.m.], but, Compline over, every nun,
without exception, shall go to the dormitory to lie there all
night, except the Abbess if she be ill or hindered by entertaining
outsiders for the profit and credit of the Abbey, and, also excused,
any sick nuns who may be in the Infirmary.
Ninthly, the doors of the cloister and dormitory must remain
1 * vigiliae ', French * la veille'e ', described by Erckmann-Chatrian as recently
common in Alsace (ISInvasion, cap. ii).
g
xc Visitation of Oodstow Nunnery by
shut, except only at the appointed hours each day, according to
the Kule.
Tenthly, all bedsteads now in the rooms of the nuns' chambers
are to be removed, except only those for their girl-pupils ; and no
nun shall admit any secular to any junketing in her room, on pain
of excommunication. Oxford scholars brag that with the nuns
they may have junketing of every sort, to their hearts' content.
Eleventhly, decent and comfortable cubicles for sick nuns must
be provided in the Infirmary.
Twelfthly, no young nun is to go by herself out of the cloister-
precinct into the outer court; nor even when accompanied by
another nun, unless the leave of a conventual superior has been
asked and obtained.
Thirteenthly, no nun is to go out to the neighbouring villages
[e. g. Wytham and Wolvercot], or to Oxford, or to other place far
or near, unless under adequate escort, and after asking and getting
special leave from the Abbess.
Fourteenthly, no nun shall chat with lay-folk in the nave of the
Abbey Church, or in any of the chapels thereof, but only [see Inj.
4] in the public-room of the Abbess, and that in full hearing of at
least one other trustworthy nun.
Fifteenthly, every nun, without exception, shall obey the Abbess,
and every transgressor shall be sharply punished, according to the
Rule.
Sixteenthly, the lamps in the dormitory and the cloister shall be
lit every night for the use of the nuns all getting up for Matins
[shortly after midnight].
Seventeenthly, no secular chaplain, no friar, nor other man of
any order in religion, shall come within the cloister-precinct or
into the houses of the nuns after Compline [10 p.m.] or before
bell-ringing for Prime [7 a.m.] ; no man (especially no secular)
shall have any rule in the nunnery or over its inmates, those only
excepted to whom such rule belongs by law or recognized order ;
nor shall the Abbess hand over her duty of punishing any offending
nun except to one of the conventual superiors.
Eighteenthly, no secular shall have his horse standing or grazing
within the Abbey grounds, except the Abbey steward, bailiff, or
rent-collector, or other Abbey servant in discharge of his office.
Nineteenthly, the sum of i oo shillings placed in a chest in the
William, Bishop of Lincoln, 1432 xci
Abbey for the relief of distressed nuns must, with all haste, be
replaced in that chest to serve that purpose.
Twentiethly, every doorway between the nuns' houses and the
outer court, by which the cloister-precinct may be entered when
the usual cloister-doors are shut, must be wholly built up, or so
securely blocked that no outsider can come in or get out by it.
Twenty-firstly, clerks of Oxford are to be utterly excluded from
the nunnery.
Twenty-secondly, within the nunnery, over and above the
household of the Abbess, there shall be only three households, and
the whole number of nuns shall be evenly divided between these
three households, viz. 6, 7, or 8 in each, according to the total
number of inmates.
Twenty-thirdly (and lastly), neither the gate-keeper nor any other
secular shall carry out any gift, present, letter, or token, from a nun
to any clerk of Oxford or other person, or bring in to a nun any
euch thing from any such clerk or person ; and, in especial, no
flask of wine is to be brought in, unless the Abbess has been told
about it and has seen it and has given special leave, on pain of
expulsion for ever from his office in the Abbey, if a servant offends,
and, if a nun offends, a year's incarceration.
Conventual life at Godstow, 1430-5.
Bishop Grey's Injunctions and Commission concerning Godstow,
if carefully studied, supply a strange picture of conventual life
there.
The Abbey buildings, it appears, were divided into two great
courts; the inner court ('loca claustralia '), to which the younger
nuns were required (Inj. 12) rigidly to confine themselves ; and the
outer court, into which outsiders came and in which, in particular,
the Abbey had certain houses which it let to ladies who were in no
way connected with the convent but who had many visitors (Inj. 6).
Here also were rooms where even male visitors might be put up
for the night (Inj. 4). By the conventual 'Rule' so frequently
appealed to in the Injunctions, i.e. the code of statutes of the
Benedictine order, there ought to have been only one door from the
inner court into the outer court, and that door jealously watched,
g 2
xcii Visitation of Godstow Nunnery by
and opened only at stated hours (Inj. 9 and 20). The great gate
of the Abbey by which access was obtained to the outer court from
the outside world was in charge of a male gate-keeper, an officer of
great importance (Inj. 4, 5, 23).
Of the buildings in the inner court, mention is made of the
lodgings assigned to the Abbess. In them was a large public-room
or parlour ('aula'), which was the recognized place (Inj. 4, 14) for
interviews between nuns and outsiders, in the presence and hear-
ing of the Abbess or her deputy. Here also the Abbess entertained
favoured visitors, even giving them late suppers (Inj. 8); and
here she interviewed the estate-officers of the Abbey (Inj. 18).
There was also a stack of buildings (' domus monialium ' or
*domicilia monialium') in which a nun might have a room or
rooms of her own, and take in girls as boarder-pupils (Inj. 10).
By the Rule of the order, these rooms ought to have been used by
the nuns only by day (Inj. 10). The night was to be spent in the
Dormitory (Inj. 8), a long common sleeping-room (probably built
over the cloister), the door of which ought to be jealously guarded
and open only at stated hours (Inj. 9). For sick nuns, there was
an Infirmary (Inj. 8, u). The great church of the Abbey was
accessible by the nuns through a private door from the cloister
(Inj. 9, 1 6). The choir in the church was reserved for the nuns
(Inj. i), but outsiders were admitted to the nave (Inj. 14) and
to the chapels which opened out from the nave. Lastly, mention is
made of the Eefectory (Inj. 2), in which, according to conventual
rule, meals ought to be taken in common.
As regards the life of the inmates, these other points are alluded
to. Conversation was, at certain hours and in certain portions of
the building, altogether unlawful (Inj. 3). All the mans were
required (Inj. I, 16) to be present in the choir at Matins, a service
shortly after midnight, and all were required to take part in the
service at Vespers, about 6 p.m., the chief service of the day. For
the services at the other five canonical hours, only some few of the
nuns came, by turns, to the choir to chant the Psalms, but those
nuns who were not on this duty were supposed (Inj. i ) to be then read-
ing pious books or engaged in pious meditations, in the Dormitory
by night, or in their own rooms by day. All nuns were required
(Inj. 15) to yield unquestioning obedience to the Abbess. Certain
of the nuns (' praesidentes religionis ') had statutable authority over
William, Bishop of Lincoln, 1432 xciii
the rest (Inj. 12, 17). These probably formed the advisory
council (Inj. 5) of the Abbess.
The Bishop's Injunctions show such open disregard of most of
these rules of the Benedictine order as to render the Abbey more
like a laxly-kept ladies' boarding-house than a nunnery. Some of
the nuns, clearly, were ladies of influential families, were in receipt
of considerable allowances from relatives, and had a wide circle of
acquaintances. They submitted to conventual rule and to the
orders of the Abbess (Inj. 15) only so far as pleased themselves.
Several of them had within the inner court their own separate
house or staircase, with their own establishment of maid-servants
('familia'); admitted to spare rooms in their house just as many or
few of the other nuns as they chose (Inj. 22); took their meals
in their own rooms ; and slept there, and not in the Dormitory or
the Infirmary. So much so that the Refectory and the Infirmary
had, by disuse, fallen into disrepair (Inj. 2, j,i). Late at night
they had company in their rooms, to gossip and sip wine (Inj. 8).
Even male friends came to their rooms for such entertainment
(Inj. 10), even at late hours (Inj. 17) ; and sent in flagons of wine
for the banquet (Inj. 23). The nuns insisted on having private
doors to their houses, by which they might go out at will into the
outer court (Inj. 20), to admire the gay attire of their lady-tenants
(Inj. 6), and take sides in the feuds between these, so coming
to quarrels among themselves (Inj. 6). They gadded about the
country (Inj. 13). They saw a great deal of male company,
especially clerks from Oxford (Inj. 10, 21). The number of saddled
horses tied up at the Abbey gate, or left to graze in the paddock
beside it, while the cavaliers were within, was a popular jest
(Inj. 1 8). The nave of the church, and the chapels, were full of nuns
and visitors, holding whispered colloquies (Inj. 14). Billets-doux,
tokens, presents, passed freely between the nuns and the outside
world (Inj. 23). The service of Matins was neglected. To save oil,
the Abbey on certain nights trusted to the moon, and did not keep,
as the Rule required, lamps burning every night (Inj. 161) in the
Dormitory and cloister. The inference is that, if the night proved
cloudy, the nuns found in the darkness of the cloister a convenient
excuse for staying away from this nocturnal service.
An interesting notice is that which refers to the Chest for poor
nuns. In the University of Oxford a favourite form of benefaction
xciv Grammar Notes
(Maxwell Lyte's Hist. Univ. Oxford, 101) had been the gift to the
University or to a particular College of a strong-box, with a sum of
money from which, in times of stress, temporary loans might be
made, without interest, to poor scholars. It appears that at God-
stow there had been a benefaction of iocs, for affording temporary
relief in this way to nuns in need of it, but, in 1432, it was found
that the capital had been withdrawn for other purposes, and the
chest was empty (Inj. 19).
Some Grammar Notes.
In the Forewords proper, pp. ix-lxxx, which were written before
the Text had passed though the press, the references are to the
numbers of the deeds (p. 25, note i). In the notes and tables
which follow, as also in the two concluding Indexes, the references
are by the minuter system, namely by page and line of the Text.
Defects and peculiarities of the English Register.
In the Forewords (pp. xv, xvi) a few criticisms of the English
rendering have been left exactly as they were at first written, just
after comparison of considerable parts of the MS. with the Latin
original. Since then other large portions of the English text, in
its printed form, have been collated with the Latin of the
Exchequer MS. The final conclusion is that nothing short of the
issue of the Latin text in its entirety will definitively clear up
the frequent mistakes, the numerous obscurities, and the strange
inconsistencies of the English rendering.
It is plain, from several circumstances, that more than one
person took part in the work of translation. Thus, to take the
evidence of single words, in the formulae which enumerate
manorial privileges and burdens there is one man who renders
pascua by 'fedingis' 559/16; libertates by 'fredomes' 33/9;
quietedamavit by phrases such as 'claymyd to be in pees and
rest* 80/14, or ' claymyd to be in rest' 78/6, and the like;
servieia inde debita et iure con#ueta, by ' seruycis therof dewe and
I-wonydJ, 186/24; while another renders the same words and
phrases by 'lesues' 604/1 ; 'libertees' 269/27; ' quyte-claymed *
100/14; 'seruyce therof dew and of right accustomed' 55/26.
The same conclusion is borne out by the use of alternative forms
Defects of the English Register xcv
in the pronouns 'hem' and 'them', 'her' and 'their'; and by
the use of harder forms ' gife ' and ' gate ', or of softer forms ' yefe '
and ' yate '. It is also plain that in some portions of the MS. there
is a far firmer grip of English construction than in others. If
ever a competent archivist succeeds in discovering exactly the
original order of the sheets of the MS. (p. xvii), we may also
attain to the determination of where the first translator, or group
of translators, left off, and the other or others began.
Taking what is presumably the work of the earliest of the
translators, the 'pore brodur and welwyller', 25/19, we may put
down our impressions of it under a number of separate heads. On
the whole, he seems to have undertaken the task with no very
distinct appreciation of the exactitude attained by Latin inflec-
tions, and without any scheme for correctly expressing in unin-
flected English the intricate relationships of words which occur in
complicated Latin sentences.
Latinisms in single words.
Real English equivalents for Latin words were not always
forthcoming. In the translation, therefore, we have often the
Latin words unchanged, or with a minimum of change. Examples
are : —
in gersumma, V. marke of syluer in gersumm 209/16.
gracias, gracias say we 12/232 ; sey gracias 12/251.
in soca, in soca of the bisshop 658/9.
benefactores, benefetours 605/4.
levare, to make levey 268/25.
decime noualium vestrorum, tythes of youre noualle 680/21.
quiete-clamavit, claymyd-quite 159/12.
renuncians exceptioni, renuncyng to the excepcion 266/7, 8.
in dudbus primis sortibus, in two the first sortis 290/26.
Tentative renderings of single words.
In other cases the translator, knowing of no fixed technical
equivalent in English, has sought to express the Latin word by
giving the English of its component parts. These forms are of
especial interest. They show that it was still possible, in 1460,
that the vocabulary of the English tongue might have consisted
mainly of words built up of native elements and so akin to
xcvi Defects of the English Register
modern German, and not of words borrowed from Latin and so
akin to modern French. What influences determined the abandon-
ment of again-buyer and the adoption of redeemer ?
quae adiacet, that lieth to 301/10.
benef adores, good doers 604/16.
contradicunt, they a-geynst sey 47/16.
sine ulla contradictione, withoute ony a-geynyste seynge 171/31,
198/15.
contraveniant, come agayn [=agaynst] 380/24.
contraveniat, come ayenst 416/15, 16.
omnibus aliis exitibus terre, all other availes that comyn out of
the londe 257/15.
cum hominibus libere tenentibus with men freholders 300/33.
predictus prior, the seyd prior before 47/11.
quieteclamavit, claymyd to be quiet 198/30; claymyd to be in
rest 81/15; 199/4, 5-
redemptor, oure lord agayne-byere Ihesu 676/26.
regressus, agayn goyng 243/9, 10.
retinere, to hold stille 88/3.
sine ullo retinemento, without ony withholdyng agayne 300/13.
rescriptum, ayeyn-wrytynge 351/28.
Duplicate renderings of single Latin words.
The translator's uncertainty as to how he should express himself
is almost painfully shown in the multitude of instances in which
he has been afraid to commit himself to one English equivalent for
a Latin word, and so introduces two words in his rendering for
one in the original, very often a Latinism conjoined with a tenta-
tive English alternative. This expedient often darkens the
meaning of the whole sentence. Examples are : —
angulus, an angle or a corner 171/29.
attornavit, attorneyd or made attorney 560/2.
secundum careatum, the seconde careatum or cariyng 458/22,
459/24-
cum competente mansione, with a competent or accordyng
dwellyng place 259/38.
contradictio^ agayn-saing or contradiccion 261/11.
deducta, I-deduced or I-take out 489/31.
Duplicate renderings of words xcvii
sine ulla difficultate, without ony difficulte or tariyng 261/7, 8«
dissensiof a dissencion or mater of question 366/5; a debate
and mater of question 366/30.
prout divisasunt, even as they be departed or devided 302/2.
excommunicatis exclusis, cursed people I-excluded or I-shitte
oute 680/34.
impeticio, impeticion or axyng 266/6.
diem iudicii, the day of iuggement or dome 645/6.
perocto leucas, by viij. lekis or myles 260/26.
non levare, did not leuy or aroise 485/28.
cum omnibus dliis libertatibus, with all other liberteis or fredoms
605/13.
non numerate pecunie et non tradite, of not I-numbred not I-paid
and of the money not I-take to hym 266/8.
in particulis, in particles or litel partis 255/3.
de perquisitis suiv, of his owne getyng or ('of in Text is
wrong) perquysitis 257/8; 559/14.
praetor, pretor or mayere 372/18.
per procuratorem suum, by ther procuratoure or attorney
524/20.
pro . . . querelis, for . . . quareles or playntis 277/29, 628/15.
ratione, by the reson or skille 302/23.
sine reclamatione, without reclaymyng or criyng agayn 466/1 5, 1 6.
in recognicionem, in recognycion or agayn knowlechyng 385/24.
recognovit, made a knowlech and recognicion 265/14, 15.
de recto, by the bref * de recto ', that is to sey of right 249/1 1.
cum . . . redemptionibus progenitorum, with . . . redempcions or
ayene-biyngis of progenitours or fadirs-afore 605/1 i ; a-
geyne-byynges of her progeniturys, 627/11.
renunciantes, renounsyng and forsakying 261/10; renunsyng or
forsakyng 480/2.
requisiti, whenne f>ey been conueniently requisityd or axid
M7/7-
sine ullo retinemento, without any reteynyng or withholdyng
242/10 ; without ony reteynyng or withholdyng agayn
257/9-
quae . . . Thomas . . . retinuit, which . . , Thomas . . . reteyned
or holde 243/7.
ripariae, ryversor riparies 559/16.
xcviii Duplicate renderings of words
ruinosum, ruynowse or fallyngdowne 491/13.
unam salinam, one salyne, that is to sey, a salte pitte 664/12.
scriptor, scriptor oferwise writer 141/2, 3.
cumiiij. scrophis, with iiij. scrophis or diches 290/27.
separatim, separat and diuided or by them self 249/9.
cum sequdis suis, with her sequelis or hem ]?at folowe of hem
627/9.
sponsus, husbond or spouse 259/20, 21.
tenentes, tenauntis and holders 507/5.
in territorio, in the territory or ground 290/4.
haec transaccio, thys transaccion, or translacion 230/14.
de vilenagio, of bondholde or vilenage 280/20, 21.
in viUenagiis, in villenagis or bondages 257/15 ; 258/26.
visu, by the sight or vewe 357/2.
Examples of duplicate rendering without obvious repetition of
the Latin word in either member are : —
accidere, to happe or falle or towche 250/4.
evenire, to falle or chaunce 300/2.
tenebantur, they were I-hold or I-bound 301/35.
versus, towarde or ayenst 507/12.
Wrong renderings of single Latin words.
There are numerous instances of wrong rendering of single Latin
words and expressions, with, in some cases, consequent obscurity.
The following examples are in addition to those which have been
already given in the notes.
proximas illis dudbus acris, next to the acre 299/8. The sense
of the whole sentence is lost. The passage ought to be : — ij. acres,
next toward the south to those two acres which were Symon
Balehorn's.
exceptis trigesime acre, excepte thritty acres 90/12. It should
be : — except [the tithes] of each thirtieth acre. The mistake puts
out of view a noteworthy rule as to tithe (Ixxvi).
in assartis, I-hegged in 297/16, concealing the special character
of the enclosure (p. Hi).
ad easdem [sc. virgatas], to hit 294/18. The whole passage is
thrown out of gear. It ought to be: — iij. yerdis [virgatas] of
londe in the feld of Karsynton, with the mede longyng to them as
Errors in the English version xcix
lotte yeveth from yere to yere, namely, that yerde londe the which
Seuald held sometyme, etc.
tempore ' donacionis, in the tyme of his lyf 245/20, instead of
' at the time of his gift '.
eius or suis, his 33/4, for 'her'.
eius, hir 65/24, for 'his'.
tilts et eorum heredibus, to hym and to his heires 246/21.
et, of 265/10, for 'and*. Jordan of Aldewelle was 'lettyng',
i. e. defendant in the case.
CC Hire, CC mark 266/ title of no. 365. But correct 266/20.
in medietate, immediate 297/17.
quibuscunque et quandocunque, to ... whosoeuer or whomsoever
286/30.
retinuimus, changed to third person and translated ' they held ',
252/21 ; but it means 'they retained', when they alienated
the rest.
coram barone de scaccario, afore a Baron of the courte 244/13.
soror, wyf 259/19.
iiuxta terram, next to the ende 297/21.
vel, of 300/17. It should be : — spores or ij.d.
cum dimidia virgata, with half j. acre 261/22.
Wrong renderings of longer passages.
Several passages of more or less length are hopelessly or unin-
telligibly misrendered. Examples are : —
renuncians excepcioni de ' non numerate pecunie et non tradite ',
renuncyng excepcion not remembred of none payment to me taken
266/20. The passage is a negative formula of acknowledging
payment 266/8. It should be : — promising not to make use of the
objection that the money had not been paid and handed over.
The formal marriage-settlement in deed no. 353 is specially
unfortunate in regard of misrenderings : —
(A) * Quam quidem cartam, vna cum carta mea quam dictis
Willelmo filio meo et Colette vxori sue de dicta terra cum per-
tinentiis feci, et alias cartas confectas a dicto Alexandro de dicta
terra cum pertinentiis quam dictus Alexander dicto lohanni filio
Radulphi tradidit et liberavit . . . liberavi/
c Errors in the English version
The passage refers to the complicated title deeds (p. xvii) of the
property which is being conveyed. These are (i) ' quam quidem
cartam ', the formal conveyance by Alisaunder to lohn fitz Raaf; (ii)
'cartamea* — the settlement by William on his son and daughter-in-
law; (iii) other deeds executed by Alisaunder in favonr of lohn fitz
Raaf; (iv) etc. All these were transferred, with the land, by
William the father to William the son. This is made a hash of in
258/15-19.
(B) ' Quod si dicta Coletta conceperit de dicto Willelmo filio
Willelmi sponso suo et prolem in luce perduxerit, ipsa videlicet
proles ' should have, etc. The passage is a simple deed of entail
in favour of issue of the marriage. It is very obscurely given
259/20, 21.
(C) 'Et si dictus Willelmus filius Willelmi ante suscitatam prolem
de dicta Coletta uxore sua obierit.' The clause makes provision
for life-rent to the widow in case of her husband's decease without
child. This also is very obscurely given 259/24.
(D) 'Ad denarios dicto Willelmo de Sancto Audoeno pacatos plene
levandos.' Provision is made for a temporary ownership of the
land till repayment has been obtained of money advanced on it.
The rendering, 259/30, makes it appear as payment of new purchase-
money.
Adherence to Latin construction and order.
The English text is greatly darkened in a multitude of places
by the Latin constructions being retained where they are foreign
to the genius of uninflected English.
Accwative and infinitive. The translator had not found out
that this common Latin idiom ought to be otherwise expressed in
English, e. g. by ' that ' followed by subject and verb in indicative.
There is this excuse for him that his version was intended, 26/1,2,
to be read alongside of the Latin.
Examples of simple accusative and infinitive are : —
He willed to be know hym self to have I-graunted 104/6, i. e.
that he had granted.
"Walter . . . made a knowlechyng hym and his heires to be hold
410/19: 'recognovit se et heredes suos teneri/ viz. acknowledged
that he and his heirs were bound.
Latinisms in the English version ci
Yf hit happun hem to be amercid 608/20, i. e. that they are fined.
In these examples preceding the construction is rendered less
harsh by the fact that the pronoun possesses an objectival inflection.
In some instances the translator has started on the construction
with ' that ', but not carried it out, e. g. : —
Ranulph . . . willed to be know that ... to have graunted 90/7, 8,
i. e. that he had granted.
Yf hit happe that the forsaid Alexandre ... to faile of the pay-
ment 126/36.
William . . . made a knowlech . . . that the foreseid mese ... to
be the right of the same Kichard 345/32.
Ablative absolute. The translator has not observed that the
inflection for the ablative case removes all possibility of confusion
in the Latin, whereas there is nothing to show in an English
junction of a noun and a participle that the noun is neither subject
nor object in the sentence, but stands apart from it. The ablative
absolute is a favourite idiom in the formula of papal commissions,
and these documents are therefore specially hard reading in the
text.
An example is : —
}?e abbas of Godestowe and J?e couent I-callid afore hem 136/19.
If any device like ' having been I-called ' had been used to express
vocatis, the construction would have been clear.
Latin impersonal verb and reflexive verbs.
The translator allows himself to be overly shackled with both
these idioms. Examples of impersonals are : —
Dicitur, Seythe 236/30, meaning 'they state that'.
pontem quo itur, the brigge by the which hit is to go 385/13,
i. e. by which people go. Cp. 536/6.
There is a misrendering of an impersonal : — as hit shewith and
witnessith 484/27, must be ' as it is shewn and witnessed '.
The most common reflexive verb is se extender e in expressing the
lie and limits of lands. In a great many places we have the
renderings 'hit streccith hit-self 267/15 ', 'thei strecehen themself
301/19 ; but there is a tendency towards using the simple forms, ' it
streccith' 299/13, ' they strecehen ' 247/9.
cii Latinisms in the English Version
Retention of the Latin order.
The translator lias overlooked the propriety of conforming to the
English order, viz. subject, verb, object. The effect of this neglect
is sometimes perplexing at first sight, and requires a moment's
reflection to make English of it : —
The tenement that somtyme held Luce Cane 116/8.
The house . . . the which now holdith the abbot of Oseneye 438/1.
That he shold brynge into the possession of the tythes of the said
mylles the said mynchons 89/37.
In the same manner, exactly in the Latin way, a participle is
often put a long way from the noun it goes with and an adjective
after the noun it qualifies, e. g. : —
Anneys ... in her pur weduhod and lauful power beynge 320/28.
pro servicio regali, for seruyce riall 270/16.
servicium debitum et consuetum, seruice dewe and wonyd 225/14.
There is, however, apparent a tendency to English order, e. g. : —
With all dewe and wonyd seruyce 263/5 ; 278/24.
Neglect of Latin exactness.
One of the most desolating errors of the translator is his replacing
of the highly inflected and therefore exceptionally distinct Latin
qui, quae, quod, by absolutely colourless words the-which, which,
that equally applicable to all cases, numbers, genders. Cp. Oseney
English Register (E.E.T.S., 1907), p. 5, note 4. This is the more
to be regretted, because he was not ignorant of the possibilities of
exactness attainable by means of who, whom, whose, which. This
will be noticed later on, pp. cxxx, cxxxi.
Ambiguous use of to take.
Great dubiety is imported into the text in many places by the
absolutely contradictory use of the verb to take, as meaning (i) to
receive, capere, recipere; (ii) to give, committere, tradere. Cp.
Oseney English Register (E.E.T.S., 1907), p. 73, note 6.
(i) to take=to receive to oneself.
they toke . . . grete hurt 25/9, they received,
the deene . . . toke the popes maundement 88/24.
Robert . . . toke the popes lettres 93/2.
take 101/20, 25, to receive, to be paid.
Reynolde toke ... in hys . . . proteccion 182/7, recepit.
Defects of the English version ciii
to distreyne and to take 226/5.
to take ayene, 506/22, to receive back.
but (ii) to take = to give away.
In-to f>i handes, lorde! I take my soule 12/225.
toke 43/6, commisit.
toke 83/14, 86/14, gave and granted,
toke to a fee-ferme 361/12, gave a lease of.
toke and left 606/10, tradidit et dimisit.
Accumulation of negatives.
The duplication and accumulation of negatives is a characteristic
feature of the text.
J>at fei haue no parte . . . ne no parte 3/28, 29.
that in oure way no wise we erre nought 15/319.
Whom J>at I wyl chaunge neuer for no newe 20/485.
he shold not do no sacrament but syngyng of masses 94/8.
fat thys yft shuld not be dowtfull to no man 209/16.
to take awey thys almys 213/8.
we forbede also that no man be bold
nofer hyt sholde not be law full ... to make a testament
233/12, 13.
so that nother he ne none of his heires shold not afterward
chalange nother clayme no right ne clay me in the forsaid mese
268/19-21.
so that he and his heires shold never axe no thynge 309/14.
she shold not make no testament 356/28.
nother his executours shold not have no admynystracion of his
goodes 394/12.
so that nother the said Edmond, nother his heires, myght never
t in no wise ... clayme ony right 563/3, 4.
Analysis of verbal forms.
The Text is not altogether favourable to a tabulation of verbal
forms. As has been pointed out [p. xv (E)], the translator has
intentionally rejected the first and second persons for the third.
There are thus only a very few forms found for the first and second
persons, some in the short prefixed pieces, some in the Text at
places where, by forgetfulness, the translator has failed to keep to
his self-imposed rule.
civ Analysis of verbal forms
The forms which occur fall into four distinct sets : —
(i) A number of comparatively highly inflected forms, of a dis-
tinctively ' deutsch ' type, for 3rd person singular of the present
tense, for all persons plural in the present and past tense, and for
the past participle. These present an English verb of obvious
cousin-red with the modern German verb.
(ii) A number of other forms for the past participle in which the
presence of the initial t- is accompanied by dropping the inflectional
letter -n or -d at the end.
(iii) A multitude of past tenses and past participles which con-
form to the types which have become standard in modern English.
(iv) No slight number of forms in which the dropping of in-
flectional elements has been carried to an extent which has not
succeeded in establishing itself in modern standard use.
The verb* to be'.
These seem to be the outstanding features : —
(i) Art, are do not occur.
(ii) Is, was are the only instances in which -s occurs as ending
for 3rd person singular of any verb.
(iii) The past participle, in this text, never has i- prefixed.
But i-be occurs in Oseney English Register (E.E.T.S., 1907).
(iv) More frequently probably than in any other verb, the past
participle, in compound tenses, loses every inflectional mark, and
is reduced from ben to be.
Imperative of to-be.
2nd pers. sing. — be, i. e. be thou
O Cross ... be euer cure spede 4/1.
Euer blessid )>ou be, good lorde ! 12/238.
3rd pers. sing. — be, i. e. let ... be.
Blessid be f>e frute of pi wombe 7/89.
3rd pers. plur. — byn i. e. be + n (of plurality), let them be.
Now byn they to god commendyd 2 7/9.
Present tense of to-be.
3rd pers. sing, (uniformly) is.
ist pers. plur. ben, i. e. be + n (of plurality).
We ben bought 15/317.
The verb ' to be ' cv
2nd pers. plur.
Ye ben hold to amende 471/4.
Ye bene sette to goddes seruyce 674/17.
3rd pers. plur. — (i) been, ben, bin, byn.
Al fat ben ordened 1/17.
Subiectes fat ben acursed 1/21.
Alle . . . been a-cursed 2/4.
My defautes ben innumerable 9/154.
They byn excusyd 47/38.
Acris . . . fat bin next 64/2.
Nicholas and William . . . byn holde and bounde 175/19.
ther ben iij. fre tenauntis 318/14.
tenementes fat bin holde 333/13.
3rd pers. plur. — (ii) be, dropping the n of plurality.
Al fo fat by name be acursed 2/10, 12.
what-soeuer fei be 3/11.
And so be they besy 27/3.
them that be now and to come 549/4.
3rd pers. plur. — (iii) beth, i. e. be + th, which is properly termi-
nation of 3rd pers. sing.
Al [persons] fat beth done out of church 1/22.
Alle f o . . . fat . . . beth assoyled 2/4.
fer beth iij. lies of mede 319/11.
Past tense of to-be.
3rd pers. sing. — (habitually) was.
The form wace occurs once, p. 26, in heading of deed no. 2.
The form whas occurs 139/1, 17, 18 ; 146/4, 29.
2nd pers. plur. — were.
Ye were wonte to pay 123/14.
3rd pers. plur. — (i) weren, weryn.
Where so euyr they weryn 79/11.
Her predecessours . . . weryn seysenyt 237/13 ; 597/13.
ij. acres . . . the which weren 299/9.
(ii) (most commonly) were.
f e cursyng fat fei were in before 2/7.
they wer wonyde ... to take 228/29.
cvi The verb 'to be'
Subjunctive present of to-be.
3rd pers. sing. — be.
if fe forsayde rente be not payid 145/22.
ist pers. plur. — ben.
That we ben saued 5/39.
J>at we ben cladde 17/388.
3rd pers. plur. — be.
vntil j?ei be reconciled 1/25.
yf thei be not I-founde 598/8.
Subjunctive past of to-be.
3rd pers. sing. — were.
whan the abbesse of Godestowe were ther personally 35/2.
if J?e fore-sayde rente . . . were not payid 146/14.
where so euer he were 233/4.
Past participle of to-be.
(i) usual form.
my handes to synne haue ben ful light 10/173.
(ii) clipped form, in very frequent use.
f>e had be in possession 167/5.
evene as ... hit had be of ther owne almesse 652/22.
as hit hath be said 155/14.
as hit hathe be I-said afore 512/3.
hyt hafe be shewyd J>at hyt hathe not be vsyd 231/10.
I haue . . . ofte be vnkynd 9/144.
they haue be wonyd 34/6 ; 2 19/7.
A nomalous forms.
We find ben used with certain auxiliary verbs which are usually
combined with be. This may be past participle used wrongly for
infinitive; or the auxiliary + the infinitive may be regarded as
receiving the -n of plurality at the end of the composite verb.
In J>is world here shul not we longe ben 15/316.
That we may ben seruantes 15/322.
Compare in other verbs : —
that [they] sholde in no damage . . . her aftur fallyn 25/24,
all ... thyngis which gone out or may gone out of the forsaid
lond 129/20, 21.
The verb 'to give1 cvii
The verb ' to give '.
Because of its two-fold pronunciation, with hard g or soft y, and
because of y being often represented by 5, the verb to-give is
represented by an exceptional variety of forms.
Form I — ' to give '.
Infinitive : —
to distribute also and to gefe to J>e . . . parysshens 231/13.
he wyllythe to gyfe . . . hyt 224/6.
they grauntyd to gyfe to hem 339/20.
J>ei sholde not gife but j. besaunde 334/11.
J>ei wille gif hit 615/17.
Present tense: —
as the lot gyvyth 220/38.
Past tense: —
Turstyne . . . gaf and grauntyd 43/11.
Walter Clifford grauntid and gafe 135/5.
Thys medewe he gafe 570/11.
the fore-seyd mynchons gafyn to hym 219/24.
Past Participle : —
(i) full form — i-gefen — does not occur,
(ii) shortened form — i-gefe, &c.
These finges were I-gife and actid 70/32.
I-gyfe at Godstowe 80/10.
I-geyf at Godstowe 82/7.
I-gefe at Bloxham 236/14.
(iii) standard form — given — not found,
(iv) clipped form : — gefe, &c.
Wehaue gyf 48/11.
as ony almys may be gyf 230/32.
relef sholde be gife j?erof 334/1 1.
hit was gef to hem 633/20.
hit was gyfe to hem 634/14.
Connected Substantives : —
they shuld be cler fro gyfynge of such maner tethys 48/12.
for thys gefynge and grauntynge 195/15.
J>at }?is gifte myht bide firme 132/17.
thys gyft graunt and confirmacion 171/33.
his gift, graunt, con6rmacion 618/10.
h 2
cviii The verb ' to give '
Form II — to yeve.
Infinitive : —
to ... whom-so-euer he willed to yeve ... hit 150/21.
they myht . . . more clerely yeue informacion 25/17.
as the lotte wille yeve 277/22.
Present tense : —
I yeve and graunte 239/3.
as the lot yeuyth 220/37.
as certen markes J?ere yeuin and shewin 68/19.
Past tense:—
lohane . . . yaf and graunted 33/3.
The foreseyd abbot and couent . . . grauntyd and yaf en 229/21.
Present participle : —
yevyng to theym . . . power 37/18.
yevyng knowlech that they 347/23.
Past participle : —
(i) full form — i-yefen — does not occur,
(ii) shortened form — i-yefe, &c.
I-yef at Godstowe 2 1 2/2 2 .
I-yeve at Godestowe 304/10.
more diligently to be I-yeve 490/3.
the tythes were never I-yeve 579/15.
(iii) standard form — yeven — does not occur,
(iv) clipped form.
Bernard . . . hathe yeue and grauntyd 30/18.
as ony almus may be yef 215/30.
to who-so-euer they were yeve 269/28.
I have yeve full power 471/10.
(i) full form — i-yoven — does not occur,
(ii) shortened form — i-yove.
every day that the pytaunce was I-yove 99/21.
by the auctorite I-yove to them 365/23.
(iii) standard form — yoven.
Richard . . . and Alice . . . hath yovene and graunted
49/21.
we have yoven licence 603/4.
(iv) clipped form.
shold be yove 99/21.
The verb 'to give'' cix
Connected substantives : —
all the yevynge of his aunceturs 215/15.
exempte fro yevyng of the said tythes 576/4.
the charters of the yevers 244/31 ; 665/11.
this graunt, yeft and confirmacion 210/11.
his yift 497/3-
the yifte that his fadir yaf 204/5.
yiftes and helpes 342/11 ; 343/8.
yiftis, scottis 665/5; 670/14.
the yft of Guido 39/14.
j?e yfte J>at Raf . . . made 177/19.
it makyth mension of the grete yftys 28/11.
all the yftys, landis and possessions 650/5.
Form III — to jeve.
Infinitive : —
fere successouris sholde $ef 144/24.
Imperative : —
2nd pers. sing. — }if me 13/271 ; ;iffe me 13/264.
— jeueth me, Seynt Marke! 16/367.
—good lady! jeue us 16/355.
Present tense : —
Lorde, }?at jeuest us many Jringes 12/239.
Past tense : —
Christe ^aue 3/23.
Robert . . . $af and grauntid 138/18; 202/22.
J>e . . mynchons jaf to hym 147/18.
Present participle: —
jeuyng 10/180.
Past participle : — ,
whas a sentence diffinityf I-^ef 139/2.
fowre and twenty marke of syluer I-^efe and assynyd 147/19;
Bernard . . . hath jyf and I-grauntid 573/2.
Connected substantives : —
Jjys jyfte and graunte 143/11.
he grauntyd with the jyft of the rent 340/15.
of his gifte and of fe jyfte of William 623/6.
the foresayde jyftes 203/22,
ex Present tense of the verb
Present tense : 3rd person singular.
The regular termination is -th : —
he axeth 281/3.
the chartur . . . beryth wyttenes 574/9.
a croft . . . buttythe 174/29.
he desyrythe 47/24.
for euyry distreynynge }>at he dothe 176/3.
none [=no one] that gothe away 680/30.
scuage whenne hyt happynyth 225/18.
blis fat hath none ende 12/231.
J>e . . . place . . . lyj>e by-twene 177/5.
the which mese lieth bitwene 96/20.
whan scuage rynnyth 306/19.
as lawe of holichurch seyth 3/3.
Isabelle of Clare . . . seith in this wise 549/2.
J?e hy wei J>e which streccith 64/1.
whan the kyng tallagith his demaynes 102/18.
he ]?at vseth hem 2/27.
Forms without inflexional ending occur very rarely : —
J»e life J>at neuer ende 8/133. This is possibly for the sake of
rime.
Richard . . . kyng of Romayns . . . sende greting, 264/26.
This is possibly due to the plural of majesty, ' We' 264/29.
as the charter . . . bare out and witnessith 245/24. Here bare
is bearith. It will be noticed later (p. cxxii) that when two
forms come together one or other is apt to lose its inflexion.
Present tense : all persons plural.
It is plain that, for all persons of the present tense, the plurality
suffix was usually -n, or -en.
Of the ist person plural we have examples : —
"We ben, supra p. civ.
pyne vtas we done holde 21/505.
We interdijten 3/9.
Of the 2nd person plural we have : —
Ye ben, supra p. cv.
Of the 3rd person plural, the following abbreviated list will
give an idea of the constant use of the form : —
Present tense of the verb cxi
they abydyn there 649/32.
they ben, supra p. cv.
acris . . . the which bntten them self 443/26.
J?edir comen no foles 19/462.
hys chyldryn that comyn of hym 210/24.
heresyes f>at doon spryng 24/597.
the oxen . . . feden 208/11.
:jif fei gone out anon 1/23.
J?ey hauen 203/20.
the mynchons havyn 216/8.
londes and tenawntries the which they holden 205/27.
tho two acris lien at Anfric 81/29.
the wyche londes and tenementes lyen and been 146/29.
al so long as they liven 272/31.
as longe as j?ey lyvyn 198/3.
all other seruyces that longen to the same lond 265/25.
demaundis that longyn to hym 209/11.
the forsaid Abbesse and Couent . . . maken 594/16.
they . . . oftyn to take 316/6, debent.
his heires oughten to waranti^e 527/5, debent.
the service ... the which the same meses oughten 527/1.
the foreseyde mynchons owyn to pay yerly 228/31.
f>e sein 69/9, say-en.
J>ey seyen J»at 237/19.
fey seyne fat 237/12.
The abbas and couent of Godstow seyn 47/31.
his heires shold nevjer . , . sesyn 155/22, seize-n.
as fe markis shewin 67/6.
two acris . . . the which strecchen 247/9.
the markes and departyngys vppon euery syde techen and
shewyn 81/33.
tho thynges that towchyn . . . the mynchons 649/34.
iiij. acris . . . ]?e whiche turnin 141/6.
al men ... fat vsen haserdyng ... or ellis maken hem
parteneres 3/11.
as the charters of them witnessen 309/3.
as her charturs witnessin 131/5.
J>e seide abbas and ofer wrongin him 136/10.
the whyche the seyd mynchons wyllen to sende 649/30.
cxii
Present tense of the verb
Present tense : third person plural.
Besides the -n form just noticed, two other forms occur frequently
in the third person plural.
i. Forms without plurality mark.
In many cases the plurality mark is dropped,
^if f>ei do it hit not 2/6.
ij. houses ... the which lye 410/5.
iij. seldes . . . the which lye 499/1.
the markes and departyngis teche and shew 107/19, 20.
ii. Forms with -th as plurality mark.
beth, supra p. cv.
al oure floures begynneth to fade 19/436.
they . . . graunte and . . . byndith hem 194/11.
they conteyneth 319/12, 13.
William . . . and lohn . . . hath yoven and graunted 53/27.
Allepat helpethi/i.
Alle men of religion fat howselilth, or weddith, or anelith
i/4, 5-
iiij. acris . . . of the which ij. lieth 359/13.
Edward Langford, John Nowers, Squyers, and Thomas Lewys
sendith gretyng 348/13.
ij. acres . . . the which strecchith 299/12, quae se extendunt.
as the markes and departyngis vpon everich side techith and
she with 116/11.
Fast tense : forms in use.
The forms used in the past tense do not, as a rule, differ from
those now in use except in regard of archaic spelling. Only a few
examples are therefore given.
hitbefalled 368/12.
he confer myd hyt with hys seele 235/14.
but he left and dud dew satisfaccion 646/17.
J?ey dyd no wronge 237/4.
the antecessours that the seyd lande fyrst gate and purchasyd
27/19.
he ... impletid hymin the kyngis courte 260/23.
Moolde . . . pleted in the kyngis courte 121/1.
as he sawe and rad 166/17, read.
Past tense of the verb cxiii
dede he was and rose vp agayne 4/5.
yf he say hit to be goode 93/14 ; she saw the charter 549/2,
past tense of to sey=see.
Into wytnes of J>e same he sette hys seele 235/28.
his winde mille fat stondit 63/15, standed= stood.
hewillid and commaundid 227/18.
he wolde and commaundyd 203/21 : past tense of woll, variant
of will.
In a number of cases, however, the -d or other mark of past
time is dropped. Some of these cases may he due to clerical error.
ofte to her come by a vysyon 26/15, it came.
f>e oj?ers come not to answer but on lohn at dale answeryd for
hem 236/28.
Godstowe admyttyd . . . and institute hym 587/5.
J>e seide Thomas knowliche J>at 71/20, acknowledged.
Herebert knowliche to the fore-seide Osbert 328/25, acknow-
ledged.
Alisaundir . . . quytte hym 256/1, acquitted.
the patente that the kyng sende yow 92/24, sent.
Some few anomalies require separate explanation : —
He institued 228/7 : instituted was felt to be harsh.
as J?e charter of his fadur wytnyssenyd 203/25. Probably
begun as if it had been ' charters ', and left uncorrected.
In the following cases the -en plurality mark seems to have been
attached in error to the 3rd person singular : —
he bounden hym and his executours 594/13.
he bounden hym, his heires, and assignes 597/6.
so J>at . . . Raph ... by none in hys name sholden mowe to aske
233/22.
Fast tense : third person plural.
In many cases the third person plural is found still retaining
the -n plurality mark.
they promysed and bounden hem-self 126/8.
they bounden them-selue to pay x. mark 483/3.
yf the forsaid Thomas and Cecilie, or the other of them,
faileden or failed in the paiyng 466/4, 5 : ' failed ' is singular
and goes with ' other '.
cxiv Past tense of the verb
gafyn : supra p. cvii.
they hadden 349/1 ; they haddyn 78/8; J>e persons . . . ]?e
which haddin 69/6.
they helden 249/34; j?eyheldyn 197/18; they hyldyn 222/26,
226/19.
the brethyrne . . . leten 319/20.
al so long as they liveden 527/17.
his fadur and his moodur maden 631/14.
the gyft that his aunceturs madyn 571/15.
yfe all thynges . . . myhtyn haue a goode effecte 79/29.
Ipe partyes puttyn to fer seeles 233/25.
J?ey seydyn 169/28.
that these foreseyd thyngys shulden byde sure 222/14.
the sayde mynchons token 144/29, took = gave,
the distreynyngis that they token 315/4.
weren, supra p. cv.
to whom so euyr £>ey wolden 606/29.
Raph Chendut and Agnes hys wyfe . . . wyllydden to be knowe
80/2.
Verb : imperative forms : -th and -en.
Only a few occur, and these in the prefixed verses. For those
belonging to be, see supra p. civ.
2nd person sing. — lady! . . . praieth 5oure sone me for to
spare 11/212: pray thou.
all holichurch . . . graunt me . . . and praieth oure lorde
for my saluacyon 11/217.
seynt John of Beuerlay . . . gadre us floures . . . and cureth
ferwith oure grete soules ache 17/383.
3rd person sing. — The communion of seyntis now for vs preith
8/ii7=let . . . pray. [More probably imperative, or in-
tercessional, than indicative and stating a fact.]
2nd person plural. — Prayeth for us, Marcellyan and Marke
18/421, pray ye.
Nerei, Achille, and Pancrace, seyth forjeuenesse. 17/385,
=say ye.
Philip and Jacob! maken mencyon 17/3 7 3, = make ye
mention.
Present Participle cxv
Verb : present participle.
In a few cases the 'g' of the present participle inflexion is
dropped. This is, by the rarity of it, probably a mere clerical
error, and not an intrusion of the alternative dialectical form,
'and,' 'an/ 'in.'
v. acres (lien to-gedir) 301/12, acre (iacentes simul) ; but
liyng 301/15.
iiij. buttes of londe Hinge togedur and strecchyn hem-selfe
615/11 ; but Hinge togedur and strecchinge 615/9.
Verb : past participle
Of all parts of the verb, the past participle is presented to us
in the greatest variety of forms. I have arranged these forms in
such groups as seemed most natural, and have brought under each
group an alphabetical list of verbs which come under it. The past
participle is, beyond all doubt, the outstanding feature of the
Godstow text.
Past participle : Form I.
i- + verb stem (possibly modified) + n of past time.
This form is singularly scant. Notice has already been taken
(pp. cvii, cviii) of its absence in the verb to-give. I seem to have
come across only one instance : —
thyngis resonably I-goten 658/12.
Past participle : Form II.
i- + verb stem + -d of past time.
This is probably the prevailing form. I give no more than one
example in the case of any one verb, except for some special reason.
The thyngis were I-acted 107/8.
Justices I-assinid to here . . . transgressions 637/22.
licence I-axed 93/14.
houses I-bilded 416/1.
ten pounde . . . I-borowed 596/18.
the witnesses that were I-called 89/5.
cxvi Past participles
strife I-cesid 79/28.
a writyng I-chartered 525/5.
J>e . . . couent . . . I-citid 636/9.
two toftis I-closed in 315/24.
I-commaundid 622/30.
the cure . . . was I-commytted to hym 674/4.
they had I-communed with the counseil 576/14 ; 27/2.
the terme . . . I-completid 317/28.
to be I-confermed 515/1, 2.
he had first I-considred tho thynges 368/5.
In the which mese is I-conteyned 318/9.
hit was I-corded 508/20,= accorded, agreed upon.
that parte the which is I-couered with stone 531/5.
the . . . tenementis were I-delyuered 418/26.
crofte and mede I-dichid in euiri side and I-closid 68/1.
the terme of x. yere I-ended 88/19.
the parishens of Wycombe I-excluded 94/4.
the which ben I-fedde and ben I-logged 578/18.
she had I-founded hit 652/22.
these thyngis shold be I-fulfilled 380/21.
that that is I-graunted for the nede of sike men 94/26.
expensis I- had 88/10.
ther conuentuell seale that is I-hanged to this writyng
184/13.
ther commune seale was I-honged to thise present lettres
367/28.
he had I-herd by inquysicion 312/29.
to them I-ioinid togedur 69/23.
the forsaid fynges not I-keped by hym 94/22.
to the partie I-letted 370/10.
the premysses fully I-loked and I-sey and I-undirstonded
581/16.
the wele I-loved to vs in Crist 525/5.
sholde be I-mercyd 237/26.
strife I-meuid ageiniste him 70/14.
Eobert . . . and Eobert . . . by-fore I-myndyd 571/23.
in the fourme aboue I-noted 493/11.
with all ther pertynentis I- named 605/16.
shold be surely I-obserued 575/9.
Past participles cxvii
to be I-ordeyned or I-iuged 416/21.
J>e custome of time I-passid afore 70/23.
tylle J>e foresayde rente be fully I-payid 145/28.
we haue I-perdonyd 148/22.
hyt was I-pleid 159/3 ; hit was I-pleyd 133/7.
hit was I-pleted 100/10 ; hit was I-pletid 249/10.
I-praiide 71/6.
J?ei were I-priuilegid 136/25.
as hit is I-prouided 95/8.
fere content I-purposed 89/16.
I-ratified and sure 91/28.
I-restored to the said lames 357/1.
I-retourned in the Chauncerye 566/25.
I-rolled in the kyngis rolle 244/14.
hys two dowhters there I-sacryd to God 49/7.
tille they were fully I-satisfyed 88/9.
as hit is I-said afore 186/19 ; as hit is I-seid afore 240/11 ;
these yftys aboue I-sayd 29/24.
she was I-segid at Oxenford 652/10.
I-selyd with j>ere sele 144/32.
I-seysonde of ]>e fore-seyde tenantries 236/30 ; I-seysynyt of
J>e fore-seyde tenementes 237/9.
as they ben I-shewed 300/24 ; in f>e which is I-schewyd
203/25,
that ben I-somoned 598/10.
the parcels ben I-specified 558/21.
lond . . . I-streight in al so good a place 155/12, stretched,
lying.
this present charter I have I-strengthed 124/23.
J>e paiment I-taried abacke 336/31.
I-telyd and not I-telyd 33/11, culta et inculta.
with lampes I-tended 677/6.
with . . . fredoms afore I-towched 272/1, pretactis.
they were I-troubled 659/7.
customes . . . afore dew and I-vsed 563/27.
they were I-wonyd to take 92/1 ; was I-woned to paye
378/36; were not I-wonid to pai 330/23.
To these must be added a few which have slightly modified this
form : e. g.
cxviii Past participles
were I-brente 416/4, brenn, burn.
all the articles I-content in the same charter 358/13, con-
tained.
the stryf of this lawfully I-contestate 575/32.
ther was afreyndely composicion I-made 228/18; this present
charter I-maade sure 140/3.
at the termes I-sette 35/21.
Past participle: Form III.
i- + verbal stem with vowel modified :
without -n or -d.
the composicion I-begonne 91/25.
his heires lawfully I-begote 491/4.
the seyd mynchons were I-bounde to pay 80/5.
whan they were resonably I-chose 101/30, from to-chese.
ben I-fed yerely 208/14 ; the which ben I-fedde 575/26.
the goodes ther I-founde 88/8.
that were I-gote to the same house 400/29.
he had I-helde 239/11.
they had I-ley 101/14, fr°m to-lie.
We have I-sey a writying 525/4.
the yates I-shitte 680/33.
masse shold be solempnely I-songe 93/23.
Ipe balif . . . I-swore to f>e kynge 608/23.
f>e dai and place within I-wrete 70/14; the charters . . . ben
not I-writte here 380/32.
I-vndre-writte 381/1.
Past participle: Form IV.
i- + plain verbal stem only.
a solar ouer the same selde I-bilde 508/24 ; after ]?at hit is so
I-bylde 149/21.
I-cast vppon hys londe 171/26.
x. yere fully I-complete 212/6.
all offeryngis there I-do 93/27.
were I-draw out 354/29.
they were I-exempte 578/35.
Past participles cxix
londis . . . they late had I-gete 563/17.
now syth is thys lady . . . I-goo 26/27.
he is I-holde to pai yerli 335/8.
and was I-know to hym 578/36.
wyth her feyfe I-pleyht 607/22; by her trouthe I-plight
356/25.
appele I-put aside 89/2.
the whyche wer I-quitte 237/27.
J?er was a delegacie I-sende 631/28.
ij. acris I-sowe of hard corne 356/1.
of the money not I-take to hym 266/9.
the corn that is wonyd to be gyf I-thresshe 649/8.
afore I-write 449/23; before I-wryte 142/3.
There are variant forms of this i- of the past participle, viz. y- and
a-, but both occur very sparsely in this text.
vntil fei be reconciled and y-come to amendemente 1/25.
haue y-hote 2/5, i. e. y-behote, promised,
in englyssh bokys well y-lernyd 25/21.
he was y-wonyd to yeld 408/27.
oure ynward syght ys almost a-gone 18/424.
bi viij. yere apaste 70/6; in ony tyme a-passed 303/12,
tempore elapso; J?e yer fat was a-passid 637/16.
ther was a-spronge a dissencion 366/4.
This a- is, in one instance, found prefixed not to the past parti-
ciple, but to the past tense : —
the bothe partyes a-seelyd euerych to of>er 146/21, i.e.
attached their seals.
It is possible also that certain be- forms are variants of the i-
forms.
her baylifs were be-holde to pay to hym 610/10.
Past participle : Form V.
Forms coincident with, except for archaic spelling, the modern
standard forms, obtained (a) by adding -n (b) by adding -d (c) by
modifying the vowel of the verb-stem.
heires of his body begoten- 460/24.
we have beholden the charter 123/27.
cxx Past participles
in no wise stonde bounden 126/23 ; hys heyrys byn bounden
340/6.
thys transaccion . . . was don 230/15 ; al that beth done out
of church 1/22.
Be hit knowen 193/31.
a yerely rent of viij. shillings to be taken 364/2 ; an assise
was takyn by-twene hem 237/7.
all maner of instrumentis . . . which hath ben withdrawen
594/29.
thys chartur afore wretyn 222/15; a^ tnise afore-written
thynges 523/2 ; in the maner vndir written 379/22 ; with
all libertees to-fore wrytyn 216/17.
her subiects fat ben acursed 1/21.
hathe . . . annexit 29/26.
fei mowe not be assoyled 2/1.
to be bilded 463/24.
witnes fat bin callid and named 136/13.
yf hit were commytted 184/19.
as hit is conteyned in the charters 5 1 7/7.
as they ben departed by markes 204/28.
mede dichid rownde aboute and closid 67/5.
in churchis enterdited 1/20.
aftur he hadde halowyd the churche 212/25.
the kynge had herd all 27/1.
to hem that be hurtyd 45/29.
therof was he impleyde 163/26, implea-ed.
to be keped truly 88/12; surely to be kepid 89/4; to be
kepyd 47/5 ; sureli to be kept 136/13.
after they have ben layed there 102/9.
whos dore is opened toward the strete 101/22.
howsis to be made 506/8.
to be payd and hadde 213/3.
hit was pleid bitwene hem 635/10; hyt was pleyd 172/1 1.
hit was pletid bitwene hem 330/17.
tille fey haue restorid 2/17.
as hit is aforsaid 483/20.
her predecessours . . . weryn seysenyt in the same tenantries
Past participles cxxi
whan they ben resonably somoned 206/5.
acris . . . yerly to be sowyd 217/1.
in telid londis and vntelid 243/32, in cultis et incultis.
they were wonyd to resceive 500/10.
ther was a strif . . . began 192/27 ; ther was begon a debate
366/30.
ben bound to pay hit 126/26 ; were bownde to pay 222/25.
J»ei haue chose i/io : from to-chese.
all other that have ben gote 656/5.
shold make to [be]lefte-vp 463/23 : lifted-up, erected,
hit shall be ronge 93/29.
f»er be sette in J?e lawe 2/26.
vnbroke 178/22; 221/9.
in the termes vndir-writte 87/12.
Past participle : Form VI.
Forms in which the dropping of the inflexions has been carried
beyond the point recognized by the present standard forms,
be : see p. cvi.
when }?ei ben bede 1/23.
In "Winchester was a lady bore 26/5 ; that was of j?e modyr
bor 27/10.
aftir tho x. yere fully complete 466/1.
when he were convicte 95/4, convicted,
bi oure delegat and ordinari power 167/25, delegated,
the paiyng ... to be do 38/25 : especially common.
William . . . had drawe . . . Roger into plee 637/5.
to be exclude ... fro all right 505/26.
into many synnes ofte haue I falle 8/137 : shortening possibly
a concession to rime,
hit shold not ... be forgete 520/11.
3if hit wold be gete 21/521.
to be hold to the mynchons 36/24, form in constant use,
especially in the habendum et tenendum formula, to be had
and to be hold 313/12.
he had laufulli institute and sette in 65/13.
hit is to be knowe that 163/14.
I haue ofte myspend 10/169 : shortening probably a concession
to rime.
cxxii Past participles
what that hit were nede to be amended 87/9.
as he had sei bi her charturs 132/14 ; he had sey and behold
the ordeynyng 577/12.
what god in a vysyon her had sende 26/28.
of the said maner to be sowe 87/31.
be take with ony sikenesse 356/27.
J>e same fat is wrete next afore 616/2.
fredoms byfore wrete 173/15; the afore- write couenaunte
382/18; ij. shillings ij.d before-wryte 340/16.
at }>e termis vndur write 336/15.
Fast participle : conjoined forms.
It is noticeable that when two past participles come together, it
often occurs that one is of a more archaic form, but the other is
shortened in some way. The more archaic form sometimes has
first place, sometimes second. The same thing happens with the
conjunction of three past participles.
I-acted and I-do 579/34; I-actid and do 167/29.
Thomas Tarlari was welle I-content and plesid 621/19.
that mark of siluer first I-deduced or I- take out 489/31.
v. acris wele I-eryd and not I-sowe 356/2.
vndurwodys I-fellyd and to be fellyd 232/4.
tenementis . . . I-gete or purchased 418/22.
these Binges were I-gife and actid 70/32.
benefettys . . . I-grauntyd and yefe 647/5,
they were so I-labored and I-draw, herd, and wrote, and
turned 588/29.
to have I-loked and behold 585/31.
I-prayed and requyred 588/31.
I-saued and reserued or kepid 463/33.
pease I-supposed and had 86/28.
I-take and leueyd of hys londe 171/26.
I- wrete and confer my d 644/7.
thisB afore I-write and afore I-diuided thyngis 449/23, 24.
to be amended and I-covered 87/9.
were hold and I-bound 418/1.8.
to be hold and I-had 163/7.
Past participles cxxiii
that they be not ... greved or I-weriecl 674/12.
to be observed or I-kepid 578/5.
Bernard . . . hath $yf and I-grauntid 573/2.
I-rede, I-rehersed and I-vndirstonde 578/37.
I-redde, rehersed and I-vndirstonde 576/7.
Plural of nouns.
There is nothing striking in the inflexion of nouns. Such facts
as seemed capable of tabulation, in respect of number and case,
have, however, been brought together.
Plurals ending in -n.
The ending -en for the plural is found attached to much the
same list of words as still retain it in literature or in general
dialect. It is perhaps singular that we have never housen in this
text, but only houses.
Al halowen 23/557 ; the fest of all haloun 82/8 ; the fest of
Alhalowen 194/34. But we have also the fest of all
seyntis 87/25; 228/34.
brethern 93/7 ; 628/25; brethyrn 174/4; 319/17; brefyrn
134/20; brethyrne 195/2.
caluene 331/14, calves,
chyldre 26/11; chyldyr 26/7; chyldyrn 43/5; 573/5
chyldryn 210/24; children 50/30; 82/13.
fowre horsshone 171/25.
j. paire hosen 257/30, unum calciamentum.
kyne 215/4 ; 318/11 ; kene 543/26.
oxen 208/8; 318/11.
susteren 628/25; sustern 681/26; susterne 674/2; systyrn
174/4; systryn 174/17; sustirs 681/25; sustres 676/11.
Plural instead of collective use.
The plural inflexion is found attached to a number of words
which are now generally treated as collective and singular nouns.
Examples are : —
with all cornys, heyes, wolles 86/19, i.e. corn, hay, wool,
all cornis 136/2 ; J>e cornys I-sowe in fe same assarte 182/26 ;
i 2
cxxiv Plural of nouns
in cornys and medis 240/21, in bladis et pratis; the
vesture of cornys growying in the same lond 466/27. But
we have also in corne 241/34, in bladis.
after the decesses of the forsaid William, Margerye, and Henry
465/4.
the dunges 102/2; the donges 101/13.
v. acres of firses 343/5, furze,
hey is 579/8, hay.
honest ees 229/19.
ageynyste all pepuls 199/14.
havyng God and equyte byfore ther sightis 576/15.
to-gedirs 391/10; togedris 541/32.
bothe parties plight ther trowthes 517/17.
in all wises 674/7.
Collective use instead of plural.
Some words, which would now be plural in form, are found
regularly used without the plural suffix. Mark (the coin) is one ;
and ploughland is a second. There are some places in the Text in
which markes has been given, but this is now proved to be an
erroneous expansion of the contraction.
iiij. score mark of siluer 265/31 ; x. marke of siluer 317/3.
twey ploughlond 265/12; iij. ploughlond 316/23.
Plural of nouns ending in sibilants.
Nouns which end in sibilants show a tendency to drop the -s of
plurality. Examples are : —
Amphelice and all the abbesse succedyng her, 99/18; to the
same abbesse and to other abbesse that shold succede her
265/27. But we have also — other abbesses 101/18 ; o)?er
abbasys 171/3! other abbessys 265/19; ofer abbassis 330/24.
The citteseyns and burges of Oxenford 29/4 ; to the burgeys
of Wycumbe 87/18.
distresse 198/19; distres 332/26, goods taken in distraint.
But also — distresses 193/20; distressis 137/25.
Afore the kyngis Justice at Westmynster 157/17 ; afore many
lustys in the same place 574/15. But also — Justices
100/4; lusticis 100/27; lusticis lurneyng 159/28.
Plural of nouns cxxv
These beyng wytnys 138/21, hiis testibus\ thewytnes that be
callyd, yf they wythdrawe 47/6. But also — the witnesses
that were I-called 89/4.
Plural of nouns ending in -el.
Nouns ending in -el show distinctly a tendency to drop the -s
of plurality and rank as singular nouns used collectively.
alle offryng of candel thorowe the yere 648/31.
catall[i.e.chattells] 159/19; 466/9; 559/14; catell 474/12 ;
559/8. But also — catalles 127/1 ; 589/4; catallis 416/10;
559/29; 605/9; catals 464/2.
coterell 603/31 ; 627/10; coterellis 605/9.
novalle 680/21, novalia.
fro all quarell and playntys 571/10. Plural much more
common — quarels 242/5 ; 425/20 ; querels 557/2 ; querelis
600/2.
sequele 603/31. But the plural is much more common in the
manorial formula — sequelis 559/9 ; 605/9; 627/9 ; sequelys
559/29; 58o/7; sequels 329/8.
Tendency to drop plural .suffix.
Several other words incline to drop the plural suffix.
The costis 191/31, but — the . . . cost to be do in the same
houses 521/9 ; vndur f>e forseide waryn and his heiris coste
•I
to drye there heryng 642/6.
for all other holdyng afterward his londes 38/19; and many
other 51/14, et multisaliis.
of both partie 304/22, i. e. on both sides.
Godstow and all thynge perteynyng therto 27/16.
the forsaid x. yere 212/6.
Plural attached to adjectives.
In some few instances, copying the Latin, the -s of the plural
has been attached to the adjective as well as to the noun.
Examples are : —
accions reals and personels 304/4.
exceptions dilatorys 350/14.
lettres obligatories 266/3.
lettres patentis 446/17, 18, and so frequently.
cxxvi Possessive case
The possessive case.
There are plenty of examples of the ordinary form of the
possessive case — e.g. goddys-curs 43/16; for goddis sake 246/2;
for goddes sake 514/19.
There appears, however, a tendency to separate the suffix from
the noun. Examples are : —
Ihesus, oure lorde god is sone 7/90.
Thorgh crist is mercy 8/123.
one of Benet ys heyre 19/444.
in kynge Henry is tyme 217/27.
In several cases the suffix is dropped altogether. Thus : —
for hys fadyr and modyr soule 27/17, 18.
for the helth of his fadir soule and modir soule 384/13.
for the helth of his soule and of his fadir and modir sowles
the auctorite I-yove to them of the pope self 365/23.
lohn . . . put to hys notarye syne 231/22.
In all the above instances the provocation to the omission may
have been the sibilance before words beginning with s.
Fossessives replaced by compound nouns.
There is apparent a tendency to dispense with the possessive
case by placing nouns in mere juxtaposition. The result is a set
of compound-nouns, somewhat as in modern German.
Two types are distinguishable, according as the noun in the
possessive case is placed first or second.
(i) Possessive-ease noun placed first.
angels degre 7/94.
with bellis ryngyng 1/20: may be with ringing of bells,
pulsatione campanarum.
Seynt Petir chirche hay 528/4, the fence of St. Peter's church.
herte contricyon -8/1.2 2 .
heuen blys 19/464.
one knyght fee, 314/15; by a knyght service 126/19.
our lady knyght 16/365, the knight of Our Lady.
at Marty n masse 499/26.
J?i passyon pyne 5/35, the anguish of thy passion.
rent gedurarys 25/17, gatherers of rents.
Possessive case cxxvii
for hys soule hele 573/5.
for hys sowle helthe 195/25.
f>at virgyn flour 20/495, possibly flos virginum.
novall tithis 633/19.
In a number of cases the provocation to treat the words in this
way might appear to be the desire to avoid a hissing sound,
next to the abbess e lond 297/23.
next to the abbesse mede and mynchons of Godestowe 298/4 ;
iuxta pratum abbatisse et moniaUuin de Godestowe.
afore the abbesse proctour 94/20.
(ii) Possessive-case noun placed second.
of the forsaid acre mede 270/17, acre prati.
the sentence of this charter quyte-clayme is 528/15.
a hide lond 248/5, hidam terre.
the sentence of this lettir attorney is 347/21 ; 565/1.
one plough lond 268/13, carucata terre.
for the tythe hey 318/32, pro decimafeni.
a yerde mede 55/20, virga prati.
Comparison of adjectives and adverbs.
The examples of comparison of adjectives and adverbs present
us with several eccentricities. In particular, the translator could
not hit upon a satisfactory rendering of the constantly recurring
tenure-clauses melius et plenius, melius et liberius, and similar
formulae.
as the charter . . . J?erof more better and fullyer bereth
witnesse 251/5.
as in the charter . . . more better and frelyer shewith and
witnessith 484/10.
as William de Kampan [correct Text from Latin] more frely
and quyetlyer helde ever in his dayes 253/3, 4-
as he ever most best and most frely held hit 291/16.
with ony almesse in Englond most freliest, quyettisly and best
I-holde 535/25.
as ... his vncle helde hit moste best and frelieste in his life
631/25.
was I-hold in Englond most freist quyetyliest and best 658/18.
cxxviii Adjectives
xxiiij. of the moost gentylwomen that ye can fynde 26/25.
in the most fre and best wise 33/13.
to ther most grete nede 528/12.
)>e more nihher 614/35, 36.
the more solempnyere and the more devoutly 489/35.
more sowther 66/10, n.
more surere 583/4.
most best and most profitable 261/1.
the most northist lotte 307/35, 36.
the most westist lotte 307/34.
Personal pronouns.
There seems very little of distinctive matter to be gathered
about the personal or other pronouns. There are possibly more
frequent traces of the old dative case than are common now.
There are alternative forms of the plurals of the pronouns of the
third person. Here are set down such notes as have been made.
ist personal pronoun. — he us graunt 27/11, to us.
2nd personal pronoun. — Edyue, ryse the up, and ... go ye
there 26/22, 23.
Now of the lady y shal yow sey 26/13, to you.
%rd personal pronoun. — thys lady ... all him hath shewed what
God in a vysyon her had sende 26/28, to him, to her.
%rd personal pronoun plural. — to rede bokys and hem well
vndurstonde 25/2.
in al so good a state as they resceived hem or better 317/20.
he shold pray to god for them 97/28.
to be paid to theym 193/9.
Omission of pronoun.
The 3rd personal pronoun (hit, hyt) is occasionally omitted,
without ' there ' being put in its place as would now be done.
Ofte to her come by a vysyon 26/15, ^ came, there came.
Redundancy of pronoun.
The 3rd personal pronouns are sometimes brought in, even where
the noun is present, especially when other clauses intervene.
Thatheuenly spyce hit is ful swete 21/519.
Personal pronouns cxxix
presentid f»at f»e chaunteri j?at was would to be do ... hit is
withdrawe now 69/3.
all the ryht that the . . . Couent had . . . they gafe hyt to the
churche 228/26.
till the arreragis . . . they shold be fully I-paid 38/15.
Reflexive pronouns.
The reflexive element is always -self or -selve. I have noted no
occurrence of -selves. There are several inaccuracies both as to
gender and number.
the whyche pece of londe strecchyth hytself 80/18, 19.
J?e bothe pertis consentid for hem-selfe 167/24.
v. acris . . . butten hem-self vpon the lond of the abbot 465/24.
lohn and his heires bounde them-self 349/25.
as the markes haue them self 106/13.
ij. acris . . . the whiche strecch themself 246/14, 15.
the crofte . . . that streccith hymself beside the grete gardeyn
242/26, 27.
ij. acris . . . the which lye . . . and strecchith hitself 375/5.
The simple third personal pronoun is found doing duty in place
©f the reflexive pronoun.
The wytnes that be callyd yf they wythdrawe hem to sey the
trowth 47/6, i. e. themselves.
Hugh . . . and all the Couente . . . bounde theym and ther
successours 183/18, i.e. themselves.
Possessive pronouns : third person.
The feminine singular shows a considerable variety of spelling.
the abbas of Godstowe and here couent 46/7.
}>e seid Marget and hir heiris 609/1.
J>e same abbas and hur churche 172/21.
borne of a mayde without hyre hurtying 7/102.
The neuter singular is, of course, his : —
the forsaid lond with all his pertynentis 33/17.
the hole maner of Wolgarcote with all hys pertenaunce 31/5.
The plural exhibits the same alternative forms as the personal
pronoun.
$if J?ei haue chose her birieng among hem i/io.
ex xx Possessive pronouns
they made these her lettres patentes to them 37/24.
all other eschetis that shold happe of the forsaid men or her
heires or her assignes 300/8, vel heredibus eorum.
fei distroye hit be fer power 1/16.
the forsaid abbesse and Couente bounde them self and ther
goodes in fere maners 86/25.
their commune scale . . . they have put to 275/25.
Relative pronouns.
Attention has been called (p. cii), to the vexing frequency with
which the translator makes use of featureless relative pronouns,
the which, which, that, and neglects the inflexional, and therefore
accurate. wJio. m, , . ,
The which.
The-which is used for all cases, genders, and numbers, often with
great resulting obscurity.
ony . . . luge . . . the which the . . . couente wolde chese 38/27,
quern, whom,
to the same abbesse and abbessis the which shold succede to
her 133/12, quae, who (plur.).
The whych for as much fat he wolde haue hit sure, he con-
fermyd hit by settyng of his seele 143/13.
euyryche of the wyche acris 339/13.
he and his heires and they by the whiche he was I-feffed 309/4,
quibus, by whom,
to hym and to his heires and to them to the which he wold
assigne them 244/30, quibus, to whom.
Which.
vnto f e comin of j. Alein fat was her vicare . . . whiche with-
drowe . . . f e seide chauntri 69/12, qui, who.
to his heires and to his assignes to which that euer he wolde
give it 278/20, quibus, to whom.
Now of the lady y shal yow sey, in whych maner and in whych
wyse she lyuyd 26/13.
That : as relative pronoun.
That applies to all genders and numbers : —
in fe hows fat was his summe-tyme 235/20.
fe same pension fat fei wer wonid to take 132/21.
Relative pronouns cxxxi
also, that that he decreyd ... he shold charge ferm 47/4.
ij. hydys . . . tho that they held 33/6.
Edyve . . . that . . . edified the sayd churche 28/5, quae, who.
they had thre chyldre to-gedyr that much were fayre 26/11,
qui, who.
to all pepull at fat time and j?at were to come afterward
65/13-
and alle his successoures fat for f e tyme helde f e sayde church
139/5-
The above are all intelligible, but —
he willed that ... his heires after hym, and he that he wold
assigne or yeve hit, have and holde all the forsaid yerd-lond
24I/33-
is unintelligible till the Latin has shown { that' to be cm, to whom.
Who.
The translators, or one of the translators, was not ignorant of the
inflected English who, of which so little use is made in the text.
possessive singular: — to hym thorow whose londys 45/15.
hys wyfe . . . of whos dowry was that forseyd londe 217/28.
in kinge Stephin's time, bi whos chartur 630/25.
possessive plural : — the abbotes ... by wos menys there was a
freyndely composition I-made 228/17.
to delyuer hym of the luys hondys in whos dettis at that
tyme he was I-bounde 299/23, de manibus ludaeorum,
quorum debitis.
objective : — and to his heires or to whom he wold yeve . . . hit
241/22, et heredibus suis vel cui dare . . . voluerit; 243/26.
the abbas of Godstowe and her convent . . . ageynst whom . . .
Robert . . . purposyd hys entent 47/13.
The translator is, however, not at his ease with this pronoun
and uses it alongside of, or as alternative to, neuter forms.
In whoos wytnes he lete make hys patent letters 196/21.
the ovyn . . . whos dore is opened to the hye weye 495/6.
by the consent of Syr Robert fytz nigelle, of whoos fee the
londe is and the whyche is cheefe and heed of the londe
218/19.
viij. acris of arable londe, halfe an acre of mede, and j. rode . . .
whom or whyche the fadur sumtyme helde 233/19.
cxxxii Relative pronouns
Whoever: whosoever.
into whoseuer hande the forsaid mylle were to be take 84/4.
londis and teneraentis ... to whos euer hondes they come
314/20.
Who-so-euir wille come ageynyste J?e . . . gifte, ... he shal
knowe J>at he is acursid 322/12.
his heires or his successours who so ever thei be 126/36.
to hys heyrys or to all othyr who-so-euyr they be ... he
wyllyth to gyfe hyt 223/11.
to ther successours or to ther assignes whosoeuer they be
501/29.
into whos-so-euer handis they come 38/8.
in whos-so-euer hondis they happen 314/34.
to who-soeueris hondis ]>ei come 333/11.
to whom-so-euir he wille assine or gif hit 328/3.
to whom-so-euer he wolde yeue . . . hit 496/24.
to ... his assignes or to who-so-euer they were yeve 269/28.
Whatsoever.
to his assigneis whatsoever thei be 125/1 ; 279/12.
for the arreragis therof whatsoever it be 126/24.
by there baillifs whatsoeuer }>ey be 14^/25.
to hys heyrys or assynys what-so-euyr they be 2 2 3/2 1 .
to everich and to all whatsoever they be 270/10, cuicunque
vel quibuscunque.
This.
Nothing to note except uncertain spelling,
this confirmacion 205/1.
thys chartur 219/13.
these beyng witnesse 55/28.
theyes wytnes 39/16,
thise beyng witnesse 206/9.
]?ys presente wrytynges 177/12.
That: demonstrative: plural tho.
All J>o been acursed J>at 2/4.
Alle fo }»at customably come 2/24.
Ipo peynes ben ful scharpe 23/561.
Relative pronouns cxxxiii
ij. hydys of lond . . . tho that they held 33/6.
the offeryngis (out-take tho that comyn in the forsaid fyfe
days) 94/6.
the chief lordis of tho feis 392/3.
Gor Y.
A number of words fluctuate between the hard initial g and its
softened form y.
Gate and yate.
Gate occurs at least a score of times : —
the north gate of Oxenford 437/10.
Wynchestir . . . the estgate 669/34.
Yate occurs at least twice as often : — •
the yate of the forseyd chyrch 28/29.
the yate of Godestowe 306/26.
the north yate of Oxenford 371/7 ; 3 7 9/1.
the yate of the castel 388/10.
the west yate of Seynt Poule 663/21.
the yates I-shitte 680/33.
Gate and yate are found in the same deed : —
the north gate 503/3 ; the southe yate 503/10.
the west gate of Seynt Poule 669/3; [Wynchester] . . . the
north yate 669/10.
Geld and yeld.
gelde 653/31, 33.
yelde 318/24; 652/17; 656/10; 665/4.
Give and yeve.
See supra, pp. cvii, cviii.
Against and ayainst.
The form with g occurs more frequently than the form with y,
but the latter is not uncommon. The spelling varies considerably.
agaynste 140/15; agaynyst 338/27; ageiniste66/33; 200/29 ;
ageniste 333/3; ageynyst 80/20; ageynst 506/6; agen&t
454/3L
ayenst 33/18 ; 382/17 ; ayenste 51/9; a$ens i/i ; a$enst 6/61.
Both forms are found in the same deed: — ageynyst 47/15;
ayeynst 47/16.
CXXX1V
Field-names
Analysis of Field-names.
These Godstow deeds contain a great number of early field-
names, drawn from widely separate localities. These names, in many
cases, are built up by means of the same elements. In the following
list they are grouped according to the alphabetical sequence of
their apparent last factor. Not more than two references are given
for any one name, unless for some special reason. Some other
local names, e.g. of mills, are inserted for completeness' sake.
bench, Eastrop 615/5; High-
worth, 625/29.
borow.
bradeborowe, Eastrop 614/12.
goldsmythes borow, Oxford
465/22.
grene berow (bergh), Milton
360/3; 359/15-
herynge borow, Tew 550/20, 21.
spelburge, sepellburge, Bletch-
ingdon 220/7, 23; 214/15.
vinych burgge, Wycombe 104/5.
acre.
bal acre, Eastrop 614/34.
Carter's acre, Wytham 56/5;
57/I5-
danichis acre, Bletchingdon
221/19.
diche acre 397/10; dyche acre,
Oxford 398/5.
forne [a]cre, Evenley 201/13.
hac acre, Oxford 447/x9-
Prynkes halfeacre, Wytham
58/11.
Wilmotes halfeacre, Bletchington
221/31.
hede acre, Cassington 272/15;
* haued ' in Latin,
heued acre, Oxford 374/^9* 20.
hide acre, Cassington 246/16;
254/10.
krockers acre, Kings Clere
174/14-
mers acre, Bletchingdon 220/4.
mylle acre, Oxford 379/27.
myrys acre, Bletchingdon 2I4/
19.
nine acres, Oxford 374/3-
seven acre, Oxford 369/2.
souene acre, N. Moreton 40/13.
ten acre, Rissington i54/J7-
ten acres, Shillingford 546/17-
thennh acre, Oxford 453/3.
three acre, Bissington 154/7.
trente acris, Shillingford 53 8/14.
twenty acres, Oxford 365/7.
battas, Meysyhampton 151/21.
wythibedde, Cassington 255/19.
brech.
brech, Blunsdon 599/7; 600/25;
Bodington 593/7 ; Eastrop
615/13; Empshot 164/11;
Kings Clere 175/8; Shilling-
ford 543/27.
holewey brech,Cassington 2 7 7/5.
longe breche, Eastrop 614/16;
Milcomb 354/3-
malmie breche, Eastrop 614/17.
micclel breche, Evenley 201/17.
storth breche, Cowley 321/4.
churcheman brygge, Bletching-
don 214/12.
wode brigge, wode [b]rigge, Tew
551/2; 555A5; 558/3.
brobattes, Cricklade 611/32.
gorbrode, Evenley 201/21.
shouel brode, Milcomb 354/10.
shule brede, Tew 550/18.
Field-names
ex xxv
brook.
broken, Tew 554/27.
hursbroke, Bodington 593/7.
karsewelle broc, Bletchingdon
221/22.
northbroke, Bodington 589/14.
ashen causey, Rissington 154/6.
chenosche, Cassington 254/10.
dive.
clyue, Blunsdon 599/8 ; 600/27.
heyclyue, Tew 550/23.
woweclyve, Tew 550/22.
deneche^es-cnolle, Eastrop 6i4/
n.
combe.
combe, la cumbe, Blunsdon
599/13; 600/31.
elle combe, Eastrop 614/20 •
620/21.
shoccombe, Eastrop, 614/14.
shortescome Cassington 305/31 ;
307/25.
smale combe, Tew 550/23.
framcorde (frauncorde in Latin
register), Cassington 289/18.
cot.
aywyepurcot, Kings Clere 1 7 7/5.
denpurcut, Kings Clere 172/30.
lambecote, lambe-cupe, Cassing-
ton 309/24; 306/11.
middelcote, Bodington 589/7.
croft.
barbe-crofte, Cassington 255/25.
brad crof te, bredcroft, brady croft,
Bletchingdon 214/17; 2 2 o/
13; 221/27; 225/2.
caluene croft, Fencot 331/14.
chalcrofte,Wytham52/i7; 60/3.
chirchecrofte, Oxford 366/11;
368/19.
denys crofte, Oxford 366/12.
est croft, Cassington 318/15.
frere crofte, Oxford 366/13.
gaytes (geytes) croft, Bletching-
don 222/2; 224/33.
herbelot croft, Westneston 592/
14.
horscrofte, Kings Clere 171/29.
mede crofte, Cowley 319/22, 23.
mylle crofte, Wolvercote 576/28;
579/18.
new crofte, Cassington 254/4.
preuet croft, Kings Clere 174/29.
riscroft, N. Moreton 40/14.
strokyngescroft, Kings Clere
171/24.
taywyeres croft, Kings Clere
173/2.
walton croft, Oxford 372/15.
west croft, Shillingford 541/13,
14; 547/29.
wycroft, Oxford 458 n., 459/9.
wyke croft, Oxford 668/31.
cross.
hornys crosse, Halso, 207/27,
34-
stony crosse, Hughendon 73/9.
langedale, Cassington 277/21.
staindelfe, Bletchingdon 214/26.
groundell, Shillingford 541/10.
ditch.
elde dich, Tew 551/13.
grene diche, Dinton 66/6 ;
Oxford 465/25.
hawkelowe dyche 369/6 ; haws-
Ion dich, Oxford 380/8.
wodych, Oxford 373/4; 465/19.
dole.
from dol, Bletchingdon 220/38.
midel dol, Bletchingdon 220/37.
down, dune, den.
doune, Eastrop 620/27; dune,
Bletchingdon 214/15.
Bulenden, Cowley 320/14.
grene downe, Cassington 306/4.
innesdon, Oakley 82/15.
CXXXV1
Field-names
litel faremannys done, Tew
557/33-
north dune, Milcomb 353/27;
354/12.
putlesden, puthlesden, Gassing-
ton 307/14; 284/13.
reddone, Eastrop 615/4.
rowendene, Highworth 625/10,
17-
tewalden, Bletchingdon 224/2,
30.
thoryndon, Cassington 270/30.
thystelden, Oxford 368/22.
walden, Bletchingdon, 221/18;
224 n.
ei, eit, heite.
heit, Seacourt 658 n. ; heyet,
Seacourt 3 2 2/2 3 ; 3 2 3/ 1 1 ; see
hea heite.
bishoppis heyte (hayte), Oxford
396/25; 450/2.
litell chaleueye, Wytham 56/6.
corne heyte, Cassington 304/20 ;
309/20.
eilrichs eit, Oxford 447 n.
euertiches heite, Oxford 447/8.
francherdeie, Cassington 290/6;
francwordy, Cassington 3©7/
22.
goshei, Dinton 66/7.
hea heite, Seacourt 43/10.
horshey, Wytham 54/28.
lambey,Wolvercote 29/1; 381/8;
655/8.
lichesey 655/6 ; licheseyt, 657/4;
licheseia, Wolvercote 57 3 n.
midelei, Wytham xxvi, 49/3.
pekeseye, pyxey, Wolvercote
573/1 1 ; 662/21.
portmaneit (hey t), Oxford 29/5;
653/22; 657/13.
rouuenye 319/9 ; roweneye 277/
22 ; reweneye, Cassington
272/14.
schedday, Wytham 54/2 7 ; shorte
shuddaye, Wytham 56/7.
sornheyte, Cassington 255/3.
thorney, Halso 207/12.
toddenei, Highworth 624/27.
wydehey, Wytham 47/17.
elmes, Oxford 465/28.
kyngeweyesende, Cassington
289/20.
fordh sotere, Shillingford 538/2.
reuenere, Wytham 49/8.
sudere, Bletchingdon 222/4.
landewe, Highworth 626/6.
field.
blynd put feld, Cassington 277/
15-
est feld, Blunsdon 599/15; 6oi/
i; Evenley 201/6; Meysey-
hampton 151/20; Milcomb
359/13; N- Moreton 40/5;
Tew 557/29 ; Watereaton
632/24.
halde feld, Cassington 288/10;
see olde.
north feld, Highworth 625/11 ;
Milcomb 353/10; Tew 55o/
16; 557/27- m
olde feld, Cassington 290/13;
308/31.
south feld, Blunsdon 599/11;
Highworth 626/1 ; Milcomb
353/9; Tew 552/10; 557/3°;
Watereaton 632/28.
westefeld, Bletchingdon 221/31;
Blunsdon 599/7; Evenley 2OO/
20; Kings Clere 174/9;
Meysyhampton 151/19; Mil-
comb 353/27; Milton 359/14;
N. Moreton 40/8 ; Tew 55o/
ii ; 557/2Q.
chypfen, Bletchingdon 214/22.
necre feme, Evenley 200/25.
gurefeu, Highworth 626/9.
ford.
bern hulles ford, Tew 551/9;
557/30.
Field-names
cxxxvn
brade ford, Cassington 290/9 ;
301/23.
depford, Wytham 54/25.
heneforde, Tew 557/34-
longeforde, lonkeforde, Glouces-
ter 141/8; 142/31-
theneldeford, Milcomb 354/8.
est forere, Shillingford 546/16.
waterforn, Highworth 625/12.
fryth, Kings Clere 175/10;
Woolverton 181/4.
bacun forlonge, Milcomb 353/17*
batemore [forlonge : added from
Latin], Cassington 299/17.
broclonges furlonge, Bletching-
220/27.
broke forlonge, Cricklade 6n/
3i-
brumel forlonge, Eastrop 6i4/
3L
burne furlonge, Kings Clere
174/11.
burt furlonge, Bletchingdon
220/19.
bynde were (bere) furlonge,
Blunsdon 599/14; 600/32.
luttle chalde forlong, Highworth
625/19.
chalke forlonge, Shillingford
541/17; 546/15-
cher furlonge, Bletchingdon
220/31.
churegewei forlonge, Eastrop
614/30.
clif furlonge, Bletchingdon 22O/
5; 225 n.
litil colde forlonge, Eastrop 62O/
24.
cotman forlonge, Bletchingdon
214/18.
cran leke furlonge, Blunsdon
599/9 ; 600/28 ; Cricklade
611/32.
crow forlonge,Cassington 311/20.
curto forlonge, Cassington
23-
dodemanes forlonge, Blunsdon
601/1.
esne forlonge, Cassington 277/6.
heche furlonge, Bletchingdon
214/26.
hony forlonge, Ford 369/5.
hurth wel furlong, Tew 550/20.
hut furlonge, Bletchingdon 2I4/
21.
longe furlonge, Bletchingdon
221/29; Blunsdon 599/17;
601/3; Cassington 306/9;
Cowley 319/26; Cricklade
611/30; Halso 204/21; Tew
550/19; 557/i6.
longedenys forlonge, Cassington
277/3-
mere furlonge, Bletchingdon
220/34; meris forlonge, Shil-
lingford 539/8.
myddyl furlong, Bletchingdon
214/21 ; middil forlonge,
Eastrop 614/37; middel for-
long, N. Moreton 40/7.
mille forlonge, Milcomb 353/12.
mochel forlonge, Cassington
286/7; 287/15. ^
more forlonge, Cassington 276/
22.
morelake furlonge, Cassington
290/24.
more well forlonge, Milcomb
353/25.
ode furlonge, Cassington 276/24.
pol forlonge, Cassington 283/25;
308/20.
por forlonge, Cassington 290/21.
preste forlonge, Shillingford
537/12, 25.
pul furlonge, Bletchingdon 22O/
pur furlonge, Evenley 201/9.
puse furlong, Shillingford 54i/
27.
put furlong, Cassington 277/8;
k
CXXXVlll
Field-names
after ' John yonge ' add (from
the Latin) [and one half-acre
lieth in Putfurlong between
the land of Walter Morel and
the land of Walter Yong].
putles denes forlonge, Gassing-
ton 289/21.
reuerdes forlonge, Highworth
626/1.
ru furlong 297/18; Rouffor-
lunge 298/24; 301/18; Row-
forlonge Cassington 299/9 ;
301/25.
sclade forlonge,. Eastrop 614/8.
shal forlonge, Shillin-gford 547/
25-
short forlonge, Cassington 299/
15; 301/27.
shorte longe furlonge, Tew 55o/
*7; 556/24.
shot forlonge, Milcomb 353/14.
stot furlonge, Eastrop 620/23.
strete forlonge, Shillingford
538/16.
thun furlonge, Halso 204/22.
vedermor forlonge, Watereaton
632/28.
verm furlong, Tew 556/19.
vox lewes forlonge, Tew 553/31.
vt forlonge, Milcomb 353/23.
wayte burge forlonge, Milcomb
353/3°-
yorkeles furlonge, Blunsdon 59 g/
ii ; ]?orkele forlonge 600/29.
gore.
gare, Shillingford 536/5 ; gore,
Bodington 593/7 ; Shilling-
ford 546/14; Tew 554/24;
557/2i; gores,Oxford465/i7.
helde gore, Tew 551/5; olde
gore, Tew 552/io; 558/4-
grove.
del the grove, K ings Clere 169/29.
hegyng grove, Hughendon 73/5.
short grove, Kings Clere 1 69/29.
gutter, Wycombe 96/31 ; 99/3.
trippen hak, Oxford 372/17.
ham.
ackenham, Dinton 63/4.
batesham, Tew 551/12.
boieham, Wolvercote 29/12;
657/4.
boieham, Cassington 246/20;
254/12.
bolenham, Cassington 307/14;
319/12.
borowham, Cassington 305/27 ;
read wrongly Boronham (for
Borouham) 299/18 ; Borne-
ham 298/3 ; Borengham 30 1/
32.
chuham, Bletchingdon 214/24;
cowham, Bletchingdon 22O/
23-
great ham, Wolvercote 657 n.
hedenham, Dinton 66/14, 19.
herthesham, Wolvercote 576/23;
579/J 3-
herynesham, Wolvercote 29/12 ;
. 573/8-
hin (hyu) ham, Bletchingdon
214/24; 220/26.
lichesham, Wolvercote 657/4.
littleham, Wolvercote 657 n.
northeham, Oxford 369/18;
373/L
pedderes (poderes) ham, Wy tham
49/15; 664/5.
secourt ham, Wytham 43.
soppeham, Crickelade 609/16.
walham, waltham, Gloucester,
141/10; 142/13.
wereham, Wolvercote 573/9.
wolmers ham, Tew 551/3 ; 557/
29.
wydi hamme, Highworth 626/
10.
wytherynde ham, Rissington
154/8.
Field-names
CXXX1X
hay.
haye, Cassington 296/21 ; 3017
29.
bori hai, Eastrop 614/27.
wyde hey, Wytham 47/17.
puke hege, Wycombe 118/2.
rede hegge, Cassington 270/28 ;
287/17.
longeherde, Bletchingdon 224/3,
Si-
herpe, Tew 551/6.
mor hened, Watereaton 637/28.
post cunehe heued, Cbalworth
606/14.
hill, hull
at hulle, Rissington 154/5.
benehull, Bletcbingdon 215/1;
litul benehull 214/13.
berhull, Tew 551/8.
blynde welle hill, Cassington
307/32-
bowen hull, Bletchingdon 22O/
'5-
deneknedishull,Eastrop620/26.
farnehull, Cassington 252/24
and frequently,
ferthehull, Cassington 298/5.
frarrenhull, in Latin, for farn-
hull, Cassington 271/18.
hagenhull, Kings Clere 177/6.
henhull, Bletchingdon 220/11.
holewellehulle, Tew 550/15.
kynges hull, Missenden 7.8/10.
larkehull, Oxford 368/21, 23.
ophull, Cowley 321/1.
pauenhull, Bletchingdon 2i4/
1 1 ; pounhyll, Bletchingdon
220/3.
pilehulle, Rissington 154/8.
sandhull, Bletchingdon 220/4;
sondehull, Bletchingdon 2I4/
21.
sevenhemehull, Highworth 626/
2.
serenhull, Bletchingdon 220/15.
stepe hyl, Bletchingdon 215/2.
swytewel hulle, Tew 553/28 :
see witewelle.
tether hel, Bladon 309/22.
tudenhull, Kings Clere 1 7 1/30.
wale hull, Eastrop, 620/27.
wastaneshulle, Tew 553/30 ;
wasteynshulle 551/20.
west wydy hill, Blunsdon 602.
willardes fordes hull, Bletching-
don 220/2.0.
witewelle hulle, Tew 551/19.
worde hull, 214/17; worthe-
hull, Bletchingdon 224/29.
wrot hull, 224/1 ; wrought hull,
Bletchingdon 214 n., 223 n.,
22411.
hoge, Dinton 63/15.
hold.
middislade held, Tew 552/8 '>
middislade hold 552/32;
myddel slades holde 557/23.
hole.
foxen hole, Bodington 589/13.
grounde hole, Tew 551/4.
Mt.
ramis holte, Kings Clere 171/21.
thorneholte, Gretwortli 208/28;
Halso 207/31 ; 208/7.
hook.
hoke, Bodington 589/8.
balneham hoke, Cassington, 29©/
12.
sarnildes hoke, Cassington 2%g/
16.
hame hore, Westneston 592/15.
diche hurne, Milcomb 353/27.
wattones hurne, Highworth
625/22.
croke hurst, Bodington 589/15.
wode hyde, Meyseyhampton
150/16.
hynch, Bletchingdon 220/33,
cxl
Field-names
oxwelle kappe, Tew 555/18.
midde kepyn, Oxford 372/19.
lade : see also slade.
middellade, Tew 550/13.
pese lade, Tew 568/25.
witewelleslede, Tew 551/17.
lake.
halywell lake, Tew 568/27 ;
hole well lake, Tew 554/24 ;
553/32.
holelake, High worth 626/7.
merelake, Cassington 304/20.
merewelle lake, Tew 554/3 ;
557/22.
scotislake, Langton 255/11.
shotis lake, Cassington 309/25.
stone lake, Wytham 56/7.
walteris lake, Rissington 157/3.
land.
aylardes londe, Oxford 369/14.
banlond, Cassington 289/22 ;
305/23; Tew, 55% 6.
berelond, berland, Cassington,
305/21; 284/16.
beringeres londe, Watereaton
632/25.
blakelonde, Highworth 614/5,
24; N. Moreton 40/8.
blakmunde lond, Tew 551/15.
bordlond, Maiden Newton 1277
20.
brakelonde, Highworth 614/5.
clenelonde, cleteloude, Tew s68/
26.
dodemannesben lond, Blunsdon
599/15-
elde londe, Highworth 625/10.
flexland, Meyseyhampton
22.
gerbrode londe, Highworth
nether guldene londe 614/1 ;
over guldene londe, Highworth
613/23.
gurrelond, Cassington 308/24 :
see Surrelond Surelond 288/
12, 307/10.
hanginlond, hangyndelond, Cas-
sington 288/11; 308/1 6; hang-
indelond, N. Moreton 40/5, 6.
harm lond, Oxford 398/20.
heyfordelond, Bletchingdon 2 1 4/
16.
in-londe, Cassington 295/24;
Highworth, 626/3, 4.
more lond, Cassington, 288/8 ;
308/29.
nordlongelond, Bletchingdon
214/25.
northlond, Cassington 307/28.
northlongelond, Cassington 29O/
!6> 307/30; N. Moreton
40/9.
peselonde, Cassington 276/13;
277/1.
redelond, Wytham 54/25.
revelond, Milton 359/13-
rugfordelonde,Highworth 625/11.
sarpelond, serpelond, Tew 55©/
15; 556/22.
shiplond, Bodington 589/12.
strokyngeslonde, Kings Clere
177/8.
surrelond, surelond, Cassington:
see gurrelond.
westlongelond, N. Moreton 40/9.
wodelond, Bletchingdon 220/25;
225/6.
wowelonde, Eastrop €14/22 ;
nether wowelonde, Eastrop
614/23; wowelonde, High-
worth 626/6.
croyden lane, Wycombe 1 1 6/4.
irelandes lane, Wycombe 121/3.
clistirlonge, Bletchingdon 225/8.
ley.
dedecherle, Cassington 296/7 ;
301/26.
Field-names
cxli
edwardisburielis, Evenley 20 1/
19.
hewle, Blunsdon 600/31.
hureleye, Cassington 301/22.
northlye, Kings Clere 170/7.
setteles, Tew 555/x7-
tr is tale, Chal worth 606/15.
withile, Cassington 255/17.
lowe.
collo we, Bletchingdon 221/20.
fuleslo, Cassington 307/18.
hodelowe, Oxford 423/19.
shynelowe, shriuelowe, Tew5<>8/
26.
twysdelowe, Oxford 380/3.
lynch.
lynche, ShilHngford 537/4 5
538/3.
grenlinche, Highworth 625/20.
stanlynke, Shillingford 540/21.
woluethelynge, Kings Clere
174/13.
sydlyngis, Oxford 369/8.
marsh : see mersh.
brekes me, Tew 550/16.
mede.
bacche mede, Fencote 332/10.
burmede, Shillingford 548/2.
dudemede, Tew 550/23.
est mede, Highworth 624/26 ;
625/10; Wycombe 118/3.
forde mede, Watereaton 636/19.
hey mede, Cassington 319/12.
hide mede, Watereaton 636/19.
hole mede, Kings Clere 1 7 7/6.
letle mede, Shillingford 536/21.
londe mede, Gloucester 141/12.
north mede, N. Moreton, 40/15 ;
Wolvercote 576/21 ; 579/11.
olde mede, Cassington 307/16.
ondermede, Eastrop 624/26.
reuemcde, Bletchingdon 214/25.
ryemead, Bletchingdon 2i4n.
sunder ined, Highworth 625/10.
vp mede, Seacourt 323/12.
west mede, Cassington 319/8.
mere.
cadborowemere, Bletchingdon
220/17.
fordyngmere, Tew 551/18.
kyngysheimere, Bletchingdon
220/29.
kyngysmere,Bletchingdon 215/1.
mersh.
litelmerssh, Shillingford 541/24.
wytemers, Bletchingdon 220/10.
mills.
bruge mylle, Wycombe 89/22.
burne mylles, Wycombe 89/21.
gyuant mylles, Wycombe 89/25.
pann mylle, Wycombe 89/23.
pynnockys mul, Bletchingdon
221/26.
robynmylle, Wycombe 89/24.
weymis myll, Kings Clere 173/3.
woche rnulne, Watlington
18.
more.
more, Cassington 312/11; Faw-
ler 326/24.
asseke-more, Bletchingdon 2 1 4/
12.
battemore, batemore, Cassington
246/17; 301/15; and fre-
quently.
blac [blanc] purne more, Bletch-
ingdon 215/26.
bradmore, Oxford 373/io;
brademore 374/20.
farendone more, Milcomb 354/5.
hei more, Eastrop 615/10; heye
more, Highworth 626/6.
longe more, Eastrop 615/12 ;
Wytham 45/3.
sinte (suite) more, Cassington
307/21.
somersmore, Tew 551/10.
cxlii
Field-names
stims3esmore, Eastrop 615/8.
Williams more, Kings Clere
169/29. -
Bollesshepene, Oxford 379/30.
Boltares place, Wytham 51/1 ;
58/10 ; Calemondes place,
Wytham 50/11; 51/22;
Carters place, Wytham 5o/
32; 62/1.
rnorl plotte, Sevenhampton
628/6.
wode pole, Sevenhampton 628/4.
punde, Bodington 589/7.
rigge, Highworth 625/16; west-
crofte rugge, Cricklade 6n/
34-
fordroue, Bletchingdon 220/24.
ruenth, Wytham 680/18.
brixtam sedys, Oxford 439/14.
brugset, Oxford 379/27.
slade : see lade.
aldredeslade, Cassington
16; 307/8;
283/29.
middislade, Tew 550/11.
swytewelleslade Tew 553/27.
por led staple, Tew 551/14.
losenestede, Eastrop 614/7.
sheluyngstole, sullewyngstole,
Oxford 515/4; 396/23.
shrobbes, Tew 551/17; 553/26.
sonde, Bodington 593/6; Tew
55i/6; 556/23-
south-and-north, Oxford 372/23.
sprotte, Tew 5 5 7/3 2-
halradesclade
adgarston, Cowley 321/3.
harestane, Cassington 255/21.
horestone, Cassington 276/20;
Oxford 380/8.
ogaynkeston, Cowley 320/19.
stowe.
elrenestowe, Tew 568/25.
occhestowe, Shillingford 538/21.
pleystowe, Tew 552/33.
strete, Shillingford 546/19.
mappeldure-stuble, Bletching-
don 214/23 ; mapeldure-
stuppe 221/25.
hellenestubbe, Kings Clere
174/9-
sty we 214/10.
swynysty, Tew 551/7.
thorn.
lowsy thorn, Oxford 369/9.
myle thorn, Oxford 465/27.
sett el J>orne, Highworth 625/30.
]?icke ):orne, Highworth 625/14.
ton.
grafton, Eastrop 614/32, 37.
lechtun, Frampton 135/9.
lynton, Cassington 290/22;
306/8; grete lynton 308/23;
lyt ell lynton 286/25 ; 308/21.
watton, Eastrop 615/3.
nectuke, Tew 550/15.
rowndeuer, Eastrop 614/3, sper-
cever, Tew 551/3.
cary walle, Oxford 366/14.
loud watir, Tew 550/17.
lude watir, Wycombe 121/8.
way.
ailmewey, Bletchingdon 220/18.
brodewei, Eastrop 614/4;
bradeweye, Milton 360/1.
le buri wei, Dinton 68/18.
byr weye, Wytham 56/5.
litel chalueueye, Wytham 56/6.
grenewey, Shillingford 538/15.
halywey, Cassington 277/13.
holeweye, Highworth 625/27;
Tew 557/19-
hundrewey, Oxford 372/21.
hydewey, Milcomb 353/19.
portewey, Cassington 295/27;
297/22; 299/15;
Tew
568/27.
Field-names
cxliii
thoeathamweye, Oxford 372/29.
wodeweye, Tew 568/25.
well.
blende welle, Cassington 288/15;
blundewelle 305/32 ; 308/27.
bude welle, High worth 625/24.
burwell, Cassington 295/23.
dilmereswelle, Oxford 380/7.
dud well, Seacourt 44/15.
enedewelle, Milton 360/26 ;
endewelle 359/15.
eylmeres welle, Oxford 423/16.
fox welle, Tew 551/2 ; 557/28.
harewell, Cricklade 611/30.
he well, Blunsdon 599/13.
holy welle, Tew 556/18.
korpes welle, Highworth 626/
ii.
larke welle, Tew 567/18.
mere welle, Tew 554/1.
pule welle, Oxford 369/15.
rede welle, Bodington 589/12.
renardes well, Eastrop 614/29.
tunnidus well, Tew 556/21.
wolwardes welle, Wolvercote
371/20.
worme well, Hampton Gay 338/
halke were, Oxford 372/25;
halde were, 447/19.
quene wode, Bloxham 232/1.
vvewes, Tew 554/26; 558/2;
wowes 551/10; long wowe,
Cassington 290/19.
wyke, Oxford 653/22.
long-yardes, Bletchingdon 2 2 3n.,
Garstons 3ete, Highworth
23-
drac3iirde, Highworth 625/25.
ENGLISH REGISTER OF GODSTOW
(Eawlinson MS. B. 408)
PREFIXED LITURGICAL PIECES
ARTICLES OP EXCOMMUNICATION
(two first leaves1 cut out)
2 * In constituc[ione] Oct[obonis], ca[pitul]o ' q[ww]m
^ armis.'
H Alle fat helpeth f e sarejenes asens cristen men, in armys Helping
or in any ofer finge. In q[ua]d[a]m ex[tra]uagante in agains?3
cle[mentinis], qu[a]e incipit ' multa multis.' Christians.
4 1F Alle men of religion bat howselith, or wedditn, or Monastics
v.* -,T , i r>i- (i) giving sacra-
anelitn any man or woman, wetA-out leve of1 his proper ments, without parish
* leaf 2.
of EX-
preste; or assoyletfi any man a pena & culpa, with-
out special pn'uelege of f e pope ; or makitn or leditn tion, without pope's
8 any man, be fayre wordes, or be-hestis, to be-hote or to
swere to be biried among hem, from his parissli churct : ^ventua^ch^rch •*
(iv) forbidding pep-
promise, if aftlrwards
church.
or 3if fei haue chose her birieng1 among1 hem, for to
lette hem for to change hit, fey be acwrsecf. ex£ra
12 de pn'uilegt'is c[apituljo 'Religiosi.' & ex^ra de
penis & re. ca[pitul]o ' Cupie^tes inde.'
IT Alle fat knoweth heresy, wicchecrafte, encTiauntement, Conniving
Nigromancy, coniurisones or any fals beleve ajens the feytn of
1 6 holichurch, but jif fei distroye hit be f>e? power. And al fat craft-
ben ordened to enquere f er-on, }if fei leue the sute f 0rof. Extfra
de aentencia ex[communicationis] ' quiGunque* li[br]o3 5°.
fl Alle lordes fat maketh he? prestes to synge he? messe Great folks
20 in churchis enterdited, and with bellis ryngyng1 clepitli
folke to messis; or forbeditt her subiectcs fat ben acursed
to go out of f e church, and al fat beth done out of church by (ii) en-
name, but }if fei gone out anon when fei ben bede by followers
24 f e preste thryes, & hold? hem out of al churches vntil coimuii?"
fei be reconciled? and y-come to Amendemente, fei mowe cation.
1 The'present foliation allows for one leaf. 3 i. e. Sexti Decretalium libro v. tit. xi,
2 Clarendon type represents the rubrics cap. n.
of the original.
priests to
Comminution Service
Persons ex- not be a£soylecT o(> her rebelte but of f e pope alone. Exlra de
sentence ex[communicationis] * cafpitulo] ' Grauis ' in
ole[mentinis].
Sick people If Alle f o been A-cursed fat in parelle of dethe befh assoyled 4
^solution °^ kjm 1^ katfc no Powe^ be VQ lawe» an(l haue y-hote to seche
fromunli- absolucon of hym bat hath power\ *if bei do hit not anon as
censed per- r . _ . * .
sons,andre- sone as pei may, pel ialle ajen in fe cursyng1 pat pei were in
fromHcens- Before & worse for her vnbuxumnesse. Q~x.tr a de sententia 8
ed persons. ex[communicatioms] ' eos qui J li[br]o 5°.
Paramours U Al J:o fat by name be acursed for lechery, men or women,
j^hcom-rS1St kut 31^ J>ei departe company anon, and al j?at comenytli with
panying bem J?at be acursed1, in etynge or in drynkyng1, helpyng* or 12
other. receyvyng1 or faueryng1, but onlicli in hope to brynge hem in-to
ance them. ^ Alle f o fat lettit^, by worde or be dede, partyes fat ben
wiwSnder wrothe, or iii stryvyng1, or in pletyng1, to be made at cone, ben 16
settlement acwrse $ and mow not be assoyled tille fey haue restorid fat yat
of feuds or
law-pleas, was wronge and so mocn more to pore men. In constitucione
oct[obonis] ca[pitul]o * Cum propter.'
Secular IT Alle secular lordes and bayles fat lettith the ordinaryes of> 20
hindering holichurct to dispose the goodis of men dyingo wetA-out testa-
church mentes in paving1 of he? dettis or in almes aevyng1 for her sowles.
officers in
intestacy. In constitucione Strafford1 ca[pituljo ' Accidit.'
People who U Alle fo fat customably come to lyches and occupy hem 24
wakes'* wit/t vanytees and rybawdry, whe? f ei shuld pray for fe sowle.
instead of Many of er poyntes f er be sette in f e lawe of holichureli, for
deceased's f e wiche he fat vsetti hem customablich, and wil net amend"
Man oth r ^^m fer"°^ ^s acursed1 and putte out of comenyng1 of cristen 28
offences ; men. Of f e wiche oofi is f is : he fat custom ablicli swerith by
lpQ ^ere °^ criste, * or by his hede, or any olfer mvmer .vsith
* leaf 2, blasphemyng1 ajens god or his seyntis, 3'if he is in order of
holichureli, he shal be deposid1 ferfor; And ^if he be A lewde 32
man he shal be acursed1 f erf or, as hit is seyd1 in Canon.
[causa]. 22. q[uest.] 1. Siquis per capilluw del uel per
caput iuraumt uel amodo blasphemia vsus fumt, si
in eecfosiastico ordine est : deponatur. Si laycus es< : 36
Anathemati^etur.
1 eos qui Z*[6r]o 5° followed : struck out, because belonging to next section. It is
cap. 22 of lib. v. tit. xi.
Commination Service
11 Also al raaner of haserdow?£s and comyn dyes players, 3if pei
at warenyng1 of holichurch sease not ther-of, pei shulle be acursed1, '
as lawe of holichurch seyth. d[istinctione] jij. ca[pitu?]o . . . :
4 3if a bisshop or a preste vse such haserdyng1 or dyseplayng1, but
31? he leue hit, certenly he is dampned1: 3if a deken) or a
subdeken or any clerke vse hit, he shal be put out of comenyng^f
cristen men: Also 31^ he be a lay man, he shal be a-cursedl
8 II Also in pe ciuile hit is wrytten. Codice de episcopis & ^civil^11
clmcis. »Auctentiea. We interdi3ten al bysshopes, prestis, lawpro-
deken^s, subdekenes, and al men of religion what-soeuer pei clerics,
be, pat vsen haserdyng1 or dyseplayng1, or ellis maken hem
12 parteneres or ellis come to be-holden such man«r men playng1.
11 Siquis autem ex hljs in hoc deliquerit, iubemws hirnc
tribus annis venerabili misterio prohiberi & in mona-
sterio redigi. Sed si medio tempore se penitentem
1 6 ostenderit : liceat sacerdoti sub quo cowstitutus est
muneB. . . t9 . . . Et hunc rmrsus proprio misterio redde?*e.
tjii.
IT Excowwimicacio.
By f>e auctorite of oure lorde god almy3ti, and our lady seynt Formula
20 mary, and al )?e seyntes in heuen, of angelis and arclumngeles, muniSScn
patriarkes and prophetis, apostolis and euawngelistis, Marteres, °£. these
confessoris and virgynes, and also by J>e power of holichurcli andoftlieir
J>at ou?e lorde Ih^su c/iriste 3aue to seynt Petur and to al his a e ors>
24 successoris,
We denownce al J?o openly acurseoT J>at we haue f>us rekened1
to 3ow ; and al £>o J»at maynten hem in her synnes, or 3eve ]?em
any helpe ferto or cou^seH. So f»at J>ei be departed? fro god
28 an[d] al holy church, and fat fei haue no parte of fe passion
of criste ne no parte of prayer^s amonge cristen folke, but pat
j)ei ben acursed of god and of al holichurch, fro f»e sole of her
[fote] to Ipe crowne of her hede, slepyng1 and wakyng1, sytting1
32 or stondyng1, And in al her workes workyng1 and in al her
wordes spekynge. And but 3if J?ei haue grace of god for to
amende hem here by her lyfe, for to dwelle in J>e payne of helle
for euer wit/i-out ende. And ri3t as pis Candefte is qwenched" exempijfie(i
36 and departed1 fro h^t : so f>ei for to be departed fro god pat i>y putting
is lijt of pis worlde for euer and to dwelle in helle aft way caudle,
in derkenesse witAout ende. Fiat Fiat. Amen,
B 2
DEVOTIONAL PIECES
* leaf 3.
[Invocation to the Cross.]
* Here begynneth f e . A . B . C . of deuocion
Help us,
O cross,
always to
reverence
theej
to please
God in our
life;
and to
attain to
glory.
»J« of ihesu criste be euer oure spede, i
And kepe vs from perel of synnes and payne.
Blessid be fat lorde fat on f e crosse dide blede,
Crist1, god and man, fat for vs was slayne :
Dede he was and rose vp agayne. 5
Euer helpe us, crosse ! witli hym to a-ryse
Fro deeth to lyue, and synne to dispise. 7
(2)
Gracyous crosse ! now grawiit us fat grace 8
Hym for to worship with al oure mynde,
In wordes, in werkes, and in euery place
Knelyng1 and kyssyng* f e, where we f e fynde.
Late us be neuer to hym vnkynde 12
Mercyfully fat made vs to be men
Nomore to kepe but his heestis ten. 14
(3)
O blissful crosse ! teche us al vertu 15
Plesyng- to god for oure saluacion,
Quenchyng1 alle vices in f e name of ihesu
Raunson payng» for oure dampnacion.
Sende us suche grace of conuersacion 19
That we may stye and glorified be
"Where crist is kyng- fat dyed on tre. 21
O Christ,
do us good,
by the
' title ' on
thy cross.
Crist, fat dyed on fe holy roode !
I pray f e, good lorde ! with al my myght,
Sende us suwme part of al thy goode,
And kepe us from yuel euer day and nyght,
Contynuyng1 fi mercy sauyng> al ryght.
Titulle of f i passion Poynt1 us saue
As to thy >{« reuerence we may haue.
26
28
[Metrical versions of some General Acts of Devotion.]
Devotional Pieces: Pater noster
33
35
(5)
In nomine paZris & fllij et Bpiritus sancti. Amen.
In the name of J>e blessid trinyte,
The fader, pe sone, and pe holi goost1,
I make f>is >J« to defende me
Fro myne enemyes and per boost1.
Blesse me, lorde ihesu, J?at I be not lost1,
Thorgh vertu and grace of f>is »J« holy syne,
Where-on pow suiFred Ipi passyon pyne.
(6)
General
Prayers.
Prayer, at
rising,
making the
sign of the
Cross,
and crossing
yourself.
The Lord's
Prayer,
clause by
clause.
* Pater noster, qui es in celis, sanctiflcet?^r nomen tuum. * leaf 3,
back.
36 Oure fader in heuen halowed be Ipi name,
As Ihesus pi sone taw$t us to say:
Kepe us pi children from synne and blame,
That we ben saued at oure laste day.
40 Thi name in us halowed be may
Iff we make clene oure tempil wit^-ynne.
43 Now kepe us, fader! fro deedly synne.
(7)
Adueniat regnum tuum.
43 Fader ! pi kyngdom late come to us,
That we may come and dwelle with the :
Thy sonne, oure broker and oure lorde, ihesus,
Bought us f>at kyngdome on pe rode tre.
47 Now, for his loue }?at dyed for me
And hath oure flessh J?ere in his region,
49 Lete me come aftur with true confession.
(8)
Fiat? uoluntas tua, sicut1 in celo, & in terra.
50 Fader ! pi wille late euer be done,
With us in erthe, as it is in heuen:
And as ofte as we make any trangression,
The werkes of mercy late helpe us seuen [The seven
54 In oure a-countes f>at we stande euen, mercy]°f
So f>at pi wil fulfilled may be
56 With feyth and hope and trew charite.
General
Prayers.
[The Evil
One is a
fisherman
with baited
hooks,
and with
nets.]
* leaf 4.
[We are
fighting
n battle,
and in
danger of
being made
captives.]
Devotional Pieces: Pater notter
(9)
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie.
Geue us fis day oure euery dayes brede, 57
Oure bodily sustynaunce and gostely also,
That1 whefer we be a-lyue or dede
Oure gostely fode with us may go
To make us stronge a-jenst1 oure fo, 61
Euer vpon us fat lythe in a-wayte
To take f i children with hokes and bayte. 63
(10)
Bt1 dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut & nos di mittiirms
debitorib^s nostris.
And also, fader I forjeue oure dettes, 64
To al oure dettours as we forgeue;
And when oure enemye wil caste his nettes
To cacche fi children, jeue hym no leuc.
Suffre us neuer f e for to greue, 68
Fo^euyng1 al fat? ys done before;
And grawnt? us grace to greue f e nomore. 70
7i
75
77
78
82
* Et> ne nos inducas in temptacionem.
And lede us not, fader ! in-to temptacion,
Ne suffre us neuer to falle fer-ynne.
The fende bryngetti us fals delectacion;
Our flessn is redy euer to synne;
The worlde is besy us for to blynne.
When fer temptaciones meuetli ou? entent,
Suffer us neuer to graunt nor consent.
(12)
Sed libera nos a rnalo.
But, fader ! delyuer us from al ylle
ThorgTi J>ese peticiouns fat ihesus vs taught,
And suffre oure sowles neuer to spylle
For whom fi sone so manly hatfi faught.
And in oure batayle jif- we be caught
Raunsom us, fader ! with mercy and grace,
And bryng1 us al to fi blisful place. Amen.
Devotional Pieces: Creed
(15)
99 I beleue on ihesn c/wist, Ipe secound1 persone,
The sone of god, )?e holygost1 worchyng1,
Was man conceyued, a-boue al resone ;
And borne of a mayde wttA-out hyre hurtyng1.
103 But he was hurte, with myche payne suffryng1:
Crucified, deed, and leyde on his graue,
105 Descendyng* to helle his serucmntes to saue.
(16)
106 * The f>ridde [day] aftur f>o he a-roos,
And to his discipullis ofte he dide apere.
He stied to heuen with his body cloos,
Sendyng1 his holygost1 f>em for to chere :
1 10 And atte domes-day he wil come nere
To deme Ipe worlde, al qwykke and dede,
112 Aftir f>e lyfe as J?ei dide here lede.
Prayers.
The argelic
Salutation :
Hail, Mary!
which is
our solace.
(13)
Aue, maria, gracia plena ; dominus tecuw : b^n^dicta General
tu in mulieribits, & cetera.
8; Hayle maiy, virgyn so ful of grace !
Oure lorde almyghty is fully with Ipe.
This salutacion is oure solace.
A-boue al women blessid mot1 ]?ow be,
89 And blessid be f>e frute of fi wombe so fre.
Ihesus, oure lorde god is sone and J>yne,
91 Pray hym for us, blessid lady myne.
(14)
Credo in deum patrem, & cetera.
92 I beleue on god in persones J?re,
The fader, and sone, and holigost1,
Maker of hetien, with angels degre.
And erthely Binges, both leste and most1.
96 All J>is he made wifh-oute any cost1:
His worde was seyd, and al was done.
98 And lyke myghty is euery persone.
The Creed;
I believe,
in the Holy
Trinity ;
in the
Father,
Maker of
all things.
I believe in
the Son,
incarnate,
and
crucified,
* leaf 4,
back.
and risen
again,
and
ascended,
and coming
in judge-
ment.
General
Prayers.
I believe
in Holy
Church,
and the
Seven
Sacra-
ments.
Devotional Pieces : Greed
(17)
I bileue also in al holichurch, 113
With fe seuen sacramentis after fe feitti.
Crist' grawnt1 us grace truly to worcTi,
With true bileue as holichurch seifh.
The cow?mmion of seyntis now for vs preith, 117
In whom I beleue, as holichurcli techith,
And as fe clergy to fe pepul prechith. 119
I believe in
forgiveness
of sins,
with con-
fession and
penitence.
(18)
I bileue more-ouer, in fulle remyssyon 120
Of al oure synnes, in worke or fought,
With shrifte of mowth and herte contricyon,
Thorgli crist1 is mercy, fat us hath bought.
Than, synful man! dispayre fe nought } 124
For jif fi sy nnes be many and grete,
Aske m^rcy, and amende, and god wil forgete. 126
I believe
in the Re-
surrection.
(19)
I bileue at f e laste in f e resurreccyon,
"When al oure bodies shal rise aijeyne.
Then cristes passion be oure proteccyon,
When he shal see al oure lyif pleyne.
God saue us from euerlastyng1 peyne,
Helpyng1 oure lyfe her to amende ;
And graunt1 us fe life f>at neuer ende.
127
i33
General
confession
of sins.
Through
my frailty
(20)
Conflteor deo, & cetera.
I knowlech to god, wiih veray contricon, 134
Vn-to seynt mary, and his seyntis alle,
pat, f>orgh my frealte and wrecchid condicton,
In-to many synnes ofte haue I falle.
But aftir mercy now wille I calle, 138
With true confession, repentaunce,
(God graunt me space), and due penaunce. 140
Devotional Pieces: Confession of sins
(21)
141 * First : I knowlech J>at I haue broken
His x. coramaundementis in many a place,
In werke, in worde, in Bought, in token;
And ofte be vnkynd vn-to his grace ;
145 Sweryng1 by his body, or by his face,
Taken in ydul his blessid holy name :
147 "Wherfore y knowlech me gretely to blame.
9
General
Prayers.
* leaf 5.
I have
broken
the Ten
Command-
ments :
using pro-
fane oaths ;
(22)
148 I haue not1 loued hym and dred as I shuld,
Neither serued hym in kepyng myne holyday;
But rather to playes and Tapes y wolde,
Then to serue god, rede, syng1, or pray.
152 Al }>e circumstaunce y can not say,
So synful y am and so vnstable,
154 For my defautes ben innumerable.
playing
on Holy
Days, in-
stead of
worship-
ping;
(23)
155 My fader and moder I haue not obeyed,
As y shuld haue done, wiih helpe or mekenesse.
The balance of vertues I haue mysweyecT,
With sleyng1 of tonge, or with wilfulnesse,
159 With lechory, or with J?efte, or fals witnesse,
Couetyng1 wykkydly man or mannes wyfe
161 And oper gode jmt longed to j?er lyfe.
not doing
my duty
to men.
(24)
162 The seuen dedely synnes I can not excuse:
For I am gylty, in many mane? wyse,
With delectacyon, consente, and vse;
Al now to reherce I may not suffyse;
1 66 In Pryde, Envye, wrath, Lechory, & couetyse,
Sleuth, and Glotony, witfi al f>er spices.
1 68 Ala?! al my life is ful of vices.
I have been
guilty of
the Seven
Deadly
Sins.
10
General
Prayers.
I have
misused
my Five
Devotional Pieces: Confession of sins
(25)
And my fyue wyttes I haue ofte myspencT;
To many vanytes castyng- my syght?,
And with my heeryng1 ful ofte y offend1;
My smellyng1, my tastyng1, I spend not ryghfc;
My handes to synne haue ben ful light.
Thus haue I gouerned my wittes fyve,
And in synne mispended al my lyve.
* leaf 5,
back.
I have
omitted the
Works of
Mercy ;
(26)
* The werkes of mercy I haue not fulfilled", 176
Aftir my power, as ofte as I myghfr.
To helpe fe pore I was not beste willed1,
With mete and drynke and closing1 fern dyght1,
geuyng1 no herborogn a-dayes or nyght, 180
Helpyng1 no prisoners, ne vysyting1 fe seeke ;
To bery fe dede I was not meke. 182
and the
Spiritual
Works.
(27)
The gostely werkes y haue lefte also, 183
To couwcel and teche fern fat were lewde,
Geuyng1 no comfort1 in socour and wo,
Neyther to chaste such as were shrewde,
And so fer harmes not sore me rawed1, 187
Neyther for^euyng7 with true pacience
Or prayed for fern fat dide me offence, 189
I have
contemned
the Seven
Sacra-
ments.
(28)
I haue not reuerensed fe seuen sacramentes 190
pat ben ordenyd for my saluacion,
But of * sore synned fat1 me repentes.
Aftir my baptym2 and confirmacion,
My orders or wedlok standith in accusacion. 194
God grauni? me penawnce, and holy brede,
And holy anoyntyng1, or I be dede. 196
Of is elsewhere used for oft.
Sic.
Devotional Pieces: Prayers
11
(29)
197 At Jns I knowlecn in general,
Of synnes doyng1, and leuyng1 good1 werkes.
3if I shulde nombre J>e branches especial,
I shulde occupy to wryte per-of many clerkes.
201 With synful lyfe my sowle derkes
That I can not see and lasse my defautes,
203 And euer my enemyes maketh many sautes.
(30)
204 Now light me, holygost! with f>i presence;
And 3eue grace my lyfe to amende,
With drede, and pyte, and trew science,
With gostely strength to make a good ende.
208 Thy gracyous councel to me now sende,
With sucn vnderstondyng1, and clere wisdome,
210 That1 y may come to f>i kyngdome.
General
Prayers,
lam a
miserable
may the
Holy Ghost
grant me
amend-
ment of
life.
(31)
* Precor sanctam mariam, omnes sanctos, et cetera.
2ii I pray f>e, lady! f>e mode? of crist1,
Praieth joure gone me for to spare,
With al angels, and lohn Baptist?,
And al joure company J?at now ys thare.
215 Al holichurcfi, for my welfare,
Graunt? me of joure merites a participacion,
217 And praieth oure lorde for my saluacyon.
* leaf 6.
Therefore I
invoke the
Saints,
and desire
the merits
of the
Church.
(32)
Misereatur mei omnipotens deus, & cetera.
218 Now, god almyghty ! haue mercy on me,
For maryes prayers and al J?i sayntes.
To whom, wepyng1 and knelyng1 on kne,
Thus now 1 make my complayntes.
222 For sorow and shame my hert ful fayntes;
Wherfor of al my synnes mercy I cry,
224 And pray the to bryng1 to heuen an hy.
Prayer
for God's
mercy.
12
General
Prayers.
Last thing
at night •
commenda-
tion to God.
[take=
give.]
Grace
before and
after meat.
Prayer for
'benefactors.
* leaf 8,
back.
Prayer for
the dead.
Devotional Pieces: Prayers
(33)
In mamis tuas, & cetera.
In-to J>i handes, lorde ! I take my soule,
Whom J3ou boughtist1 with Ipi bittur passion.
Assoyle me, for seynt petur and poule,
And al f>i seyntis supplicacion ;
And, by J>e vertu of f>is confession,
Saue me fro payne and fro f>e fende,
And bring1 me to blis J?at hath none ende.
(34)
Pro graciis Agendis.
Afore mete, and aftir, gracias say we,
Thankyng J>e, lorde ! of al f>i grete grace ;
And for al f>i jiftes blessid mote J>ou be,
Of mete, of drynke, and of>er solace :
At al due tymes, and in euery place,
Thyne almes is redy to riche and pore:
Euer blessid J>ou be, good lorde! f>erfore.
(35)
Betribuere dignare. & cetera.
Lorde, Jmt jeuest us many Binges,
Kewarde to al oure benefactours,
To al oure frendes, and wel wyllynges,
Thy reste of heuen, after J>er labours.
Grauwt us al J>yne helpe and socours,
As ofte as we pray fi mercy and grace,
While f>at we lyue in f>is short? space.
(36)
* Anime omnium fidelium defunctorum, et cetera.
And al j?e soules now paste byfore,
Abydyng1 f>i mercy in payneful place,
Suffre Ipem, lorde! be payned nomore;
But send f>em soon j?i fauour and grace,
That1 }>ei may come before Ipi face,
And sey gracias ]?ere byfore j?e.
Amen, lorde ! amen ! so mote hit be !
Explicit.
[Kalendar : (i) lunar, (ii) dominical, (iii) Roman,
(iv) church.]
225
229
231
232
236
238
239
243
245
246
250
252
Kalendar
* lanuarius.
13
* leaf 7.
January.
iij A
KL
b
iiij Ns
xi c
iij N
d
ij N9
xix e
Nonas
viij f
g
>•
xvj A
vjl
v b
vf
c
iiij)
xiij d
iij) C
ij e
ij Id3
f
Idus
x g
xix Kl9
A
xviij b
xviij|Kla
xvij)
vij c
d
XVJrEl3
xv)
xv e
xiiij |Kj8
iiij f
xiij)
g
xij Kl*
xij A
xj
j b
X[KIB
c
ix
ix d
viij\
e
VijKl9
xvij f
vj
vj g
vJ
A
iiij)
xiiij b
iij^Kls
iij c
ijJ
1. Clrcumcislc Do-
mini.
6. Epiphanla Do-
(1)
O Ihesu lorde! for )?i Circumsicyon, 253
In f>e begynnyng1 as of f>e new jere,
Kepe me euer from al confusyon.
When fat I shal stonde at? myne answere,
Lorde graunt me grace wel for to apere ; 357
And for f i worshipful Epyphanye,
Graunt fou me good lyfe, and wel for to dye. 259
(2)
Now pray for me, blessid Seynt lucyan, 260 8. mcianu*. Presb.
That I myght be hadde forth vnto joure daunce,
There god reulith both angel and man
In right true loue with-outen variaunce.
giffe me some comfort as of acqueyntaunce,
Confessour and bisshop Seynt biliary,
With good? Seynt felice f>at ioyeth J?e by.
(3)
0 sacred abbot Maure ! kepe me from vyce,
With help of fe, pope and martir, Marcel.
1 pray J>e teche me, blessid Seynt sulpice,
With fiat holy virgyn Prisce, syng1 nowel.
0 bysshop wlstan, jif me good councel,
And f>ese martirs Fabian and Sebastian,
With Ipe virgyn Agnes fat wel help can.
(4)
Sette my pacience, halowed vincent,
That hit may grow with ynne my inwarde saule.
Conuert1 fou us from al euel entent,
Glorious conuersion of seynt Paule,
That we escape Ipe wikked fendes braule.
Help us, Seynt lulyan ! to be vnbound1,
With f>e virgyn Agnes now Ipe secound1.
(5)
Kepe us dayly from al maner of synne, 281
Quene Batylde ! in especyal from pryde :
Suffer us neuer for to dye fere-ynne.
264
13. Hilarius, Episc.
266 14. Felix. Presb.
27 15. Maurus, Abbas.
16. Marcellus.P.etM.
17. Sulpicius. Episc.
etc.
18. Prisca, Virgo.
271 19. Wulstan.E. etc.
20. Fabianus et Se-
bastlanus, MM.
273 21. Agnes, V. et M.
2 74 22. Vincentius, M.
25. Converslo Pauli.
278
27. lulianus.E.et C.
280 2s- Agnes (2nd com-
memoration).
30. Batbtldls, Beg.
etV.
14
* leaf 7, back.
February.
1. Brigida, V.
d
KL
2. PurificatloB.V.M.
xj e
iiij Nf
3. Blasius, E. et M.
xix f
iij N
viij g
ij N
5. Agatha. V. et M.
A
Nonas
6. Vedastus et A-
maiidus. Episc.
xvj b
viijj
v c
vij [-Id8
d
vj)
xiij e
V1
10. Scholastlca. V.
ij f
iiij Id
g
iij)
x A
[y] w
b
Idus
H.Valentlnus.Episc.
et.ll.
xviij c
xvj j
vij d
xv IKI
16. Juliana, V. et M.
e
xiiij )
[valentines,
XV f
xiijj^.
iiij g
xij}
and love-ditties ]
A
xj)
-• ' ^ • •
xij b
X[KI
•
ixJ
22. Cathedra Petri
in Antiochia.
d
viij\
ix e
vij IKI
24. Mathias. Apoat.
f
xvij g
vj
v)
[ valentine. 1
vj A
iiij)
b
iijhK]
xiiij c
y)
Kalendar
* Februarius.
Ihesu ! for )?i holy virgyn Seynt Bryde. 284
O puryfied1 lady, be now oure gyde. 285
Teche us to lyue wel, o bysshop Seynt? Blase,
For fis wrecchid lyfe is but as a mase. 287
(6)
Lede J:ou us, virgyn and niartir Agas, 288
And ]>e bisshopes Vedast? and Amand!
We walke now here in J?is derkenes, alas !
Teche us J>e troutn for to vnderstond1,
Delyueryng1 us from the ferides bond1. 292
Help Ipn us, holy virgyn Seynt scolast,
Until }>is short lyfe here be oner past. 294
(7)
Id3 Be of good comfort? and ioye now, hert1 myne : 295
Wel maysi? J>u glade and verray lusty be.
For, as I hope truly, Seynt? valentyne
Wil schewe us loue, and daunsyiig1 be with me.
O virgyn lulyan, I ch'ese now the
To my valentyne, both with hert1 and mouth :
To be true to J>e wold gooTf>at I coutfi.
(8)
I hope and trist to lerne for to pursewe
Aftur f>ese valentynes be metre.
I loue fern al wel, both olde and newe,
With cathedracion l of Seynt petre.
No more of loue y me entremetre.
I pray J?e now, apostil Seynt Mathye,
For cristes true loue I to lyue and dye.
(9)
O true valeyntyne is oure lord1 to me.
Al his body on f>e crosse he spredde,
And for Jrat my soule his spouse shuld be.
1 MS.— om.
299
301
302
306
308
309
iij d
Kl
e
vj NS
xj f
V N*
or
iiij N9
xix A
iij N«
viij b
ij N*
c
Nonas
xvj d
viij|Idg
v e
vij}
f
vj)T,g
xiij g
v)
ij A
iiij)
b
iij \ Ida
x c
ij)
d
Idus.
xviij e
xvij)
vij f
xvj [ Kl3
g
xvj
xv A
xiiij
iiij b
^ -Kls
c
xij f
xij d
xjJ
•
X)
f
f
ix g
viijj
A
vij)
xvij b
vj^Kl*
vj c
v)
d
iiij)
xiiij e
iij [xi»
iij f
ij)
Calendar 15
* leaf 8.
* Marcius. March.
With his blode, Seynt dauid! he did me wedde : 3121. David, EPISC.
Pray for me now, with sacred Seynt Chedde, 313 2. cedda.EPisc.
That I to hym my couenaunt1 wole holde
That for me was both bought? and solde. 315
(10)
In J?is world1 here shul not we longe ben; 316
Vn-to a uoper contrey we ben bought.
Now pray for us, moost? holy virgyn !
Thai? in oure wey no wise we erre nought1,
But al oure werkes both in worde and fought1 320
Be made so plesaunt1 vnto f>i hy^e spouse
That1 we may ben seruantes in his hyje house. 3:2
7. Perpetua et
Felicitas, YV. et
O holy doctour, blessid pope Gregour ! 323 12. Gregorys. papa.
That sendist1 seynt Austyn in to Euglonde,
In my temptacion I may fynde socour
By comfort of }>i moost? gracyous soonde :
But ^it by Y\ writyng1 1 vudurstonde 327
That al J>is wrecchid lyfe is here ful harde.
Now pray for us, blessid kyng1 Seynt
Edwarde.
(12)
We ben ful myche dayly in goddes dette ;
Good bisshop Cuthbert, pray f>u now for us
And f ou holy Abbot, good Seynt Benette,
Help whyle we stond1 in J>e myre now pus,
That oure good1 lord now, swete ih^'us,
May make us perof a mytigacion
In reuerence of his Annunciacion.
(IS)'
O blessid lady ! with f>is Emanuel J,
Now for his glorious Resurreccion,
Helpe us, with fine angel Gabriel
For his worshipful salutacion,
And for his mervelous incarnacion
Which }?at wrought was f>orgh f>e holigost1.
1 Rubricated in error.
329
330
20. Depositlo Cuth-
21. Renedtctus.
Abbas.
334
336 2£. Annunciatio Dc-
OJ mluica.
337
27. Besurrectio Do-
luiaica.
28. Gabriel. Arch-
341
16
* leaf 8, back.
April
3. Ricardos, Ep.etC.
4. Ambrosius. Ep.
et C«
Kalendar
Kl
xj A
b
viij d
xvj e
v f
g
iiij N3
iij N8
ij Ns
Nonas,
viij)
vij [id"
vj)
I Proverb.)
H. Tiburtlus. Vale-
riauus, MM.
xiij
ij
xviij
vij
nij
Idus.
xviij
g xvij
19. Alphegus. M.
[Pilgrimage to
sin lues, j
23. Georgius, M. iX A !
b V]
25. Marcus, Evang. XVij C VTJ
vj d vj>
e v
* Aprilis.
Kepe us, lady, vnder f i blessid ost1. 343
(14)
N3 Now thenke on gentil oft chose \ 344
For f e ri:jt good prayer of Seynt Richard,
And for f e huge loue of doctour Ambrose,
For f is world is now ful fals and hard1.
Turne not, swete lady, f i chore a-wayward1, 348
For, al fogh fai? we ry$t synful be,
The more nede, lady ! haue we now to f e. 350
(15)
Who spareth to speke, he spareth to spede : 35 1
Therfor we aught to cry, both day & nyght,
Now helpe us, good lady ! in oure nede,
For f i halowed son ys ful of myght.
Of the blessid sonne-beem jeue us summe light1, 355
For Seynt Tyburce and for Valerian,
And shew us fu art a gentil woman. 357
(16)
Whiles fat I lyue, y wil no wyse sese 358
To crye on hym fat ys my souerayn lege.
Halowed kyng1 Ihesu ! now sende us pese,
For f e holy prayer of Seynt Alphege.
I wil now me walke from sege to sege, 362
And pray to help me now euery saynt,
For vn-to hym I made fere my complaynt.
*
28. Vitalis, M.
xiiij f iiij
iij g iij,
A ij
(17)
O sacred Seynt George ! oure lady knyght,
To fat1 lady f u pray now for me.
geueth me, Seynt Marke ! some goostely sight1
pat I may my self f e bettur to se.
Alas ! myne y$e is blynd in his degre,
But jitte y pray f e, marter Seynt vital,
Helpe me to lyue wel when fat I dye shal.
(18)
And je two apostelis, now both in fere,
1 Sic.
364
365
369
372
Kalendar
17
* leaf 9.
* May us.
May
xj
b
Kl
Philip and lacob ! maken mencyon 373
1. Phillppus et
lacobus. Apost.
c
vj N8
To god of us al in joure good prayere.
xix
d
V N"
Now, for the holy Crosse Inuencyon,
3. Inventio Crucis.
viij
e
iiij N8
Heuen blisse we axe for oure pension, 376
f
iij N8
Thorgh meryte of j?y dyuyne Ascenc^on,
[5. Ascension day.]
xvj
g
ii N9
With f»e helpe of Seynt lohn at-porte latyne. 378
6. Johannes ante
Portam Latinam.
(19)
V
A
Nonas.
Now, glorious seynt1 lohn of Beuerlay, 379
7. Johannes do
Beverlaco.
b
viij)
I pray J»e hertely draw not a-bache :
xiij
c
vij Ids
Gadre us floures of heuenly maye,
[The may.]
ij
d
vj)
With martyrs Gordian and Epimache,
10. Gordtanus et
Kpimachus, MM.
e
v\
And cureth f>er-with oure grete soules ache. 383
x
f
iiij [-Id9
Now Nerei, Achille, And Pancrace,
12. Nereus, Achilleus.
Pancratius, MM.
g
iij)
Seyth forjeuenesse as of oure trespace. 385
(20)
xviij
A
y id*
Good seyntes ! make je al oure soules hole 386
vij
b
Idus.
A-jenst Ipe hyje fest1 as of Pentecost1,
[15. Whitsun-day.]
c
XVijtKl'
pat we ben cladde in a snow-whyjt stole
XV
d
• f -EVi
xvjj
Thorgh Ipe vertue of Ipe holy goost1.
iiij
e
XV)
He us comfort1, J?at is of rnyghtes moost1, 390
f
xiijj Kls
With Ipe holy prayers of seynt1 Dunston,
19. Depositio Dun-
stanl.
xij
g
xiij)
For with-out hym forsoth wytte haue we noon. 392
(21)
j
A
xiJA
God, j?at is but one in p^rsones thfe, 393
b
** Kl9
Holy Trynyte, with-oute begynnyng1,
[22. Trinity Sunday.]
ix
c
xf^
Sende Us such grace fat1 we saued may be
d
ixJ
When we shal passe at f»is lyues endyng1.
xvrj
e
viij\
Helpe us, Seynt Aldelme, for oure amendyng1, 397
25. Depositio Ald-
helmi.
vj
f
vij L1§
With J?e feste of corpus Christi; and Seynt
^[Corpu^Chrlsti.]
r JV1S
glorum Apost*
Austyne,
g
vj)
Which fafr taught us, to his feyth enclyne. 399
(22)
xiiij
A
v]
O J?ou blessid bysshop Seynt German, 400
28.Gwmanus.Ep.
iij
b
^ Kl'
I pray f>» my petycyon fulfyl.
c
i« K1
I pray \>e same as hertily as I can.
xj
d
yJ
Helpe us, gentil virgyn, Seynt Petronyl ! ». petrontna. v.
c
18
* leaf 9, back.
June.
1. Nicomedes. M.
2. Marcellinus et
Petrus, MM.
5. Bonifacius et
socii.
8. Medarduset
Oildardus.
9. Translatto Ed-
mundi, R. et M.
11. Barnabas, A post.
12. BasiHdes, M.
15. Vitw et Mo-
destus.
16. Cirtcus et lulitta,
17. Botulphns,
Abbas.
18. Marcus et Mar-
cellianus.
19. Gervaslus et
Protbaiius.
Kalendar
* Iimius.
e Kl
f iiij I
g iij I
Also, Seynt1 Nichomede ! I pray ]>y good wille. 404
Teche me 3oure daunce, Marcellyne and petre !
To whom I syngi with fis sympul metre. 406
(23)
xvj A
vb
c
xiij d
ij e
f
xg
ij N«
Nonas.
viij
vij
vjJ
407
iiij)
Ids
*}
Jj)
XV
22. Albanus, Proto-
raartyr Angltae.
23. Etheldreda, Y.
24. Nativltaalohan-
nls Bapt.
6. lohannes et
Paulus, MM.
28. I*o.
».Petnis«t Paulus,
A post.
30. Commemoratio
PaulU
A
xviy b
vij c Idus.
d xviijj,
xv e xvij )
iiijf xvjj
g
xij
jb
c
ixd
e
xvijf
vjg
Ids
xiij
x
viij
I cry vn-to jow now, al on a rowe,
In special to martyr Boneface
With al J?i felowes, both hyje and lowe,
That 30 gete to us repentaunce and space.
Medard and Gildard, now where is $our grace ? 411
Prayeth for oure synnes, with [Seynt Edmundj,
And aftur f>is lyfe to haue J>e secund! 413
(24)
Now, blessid* Seynt Barnard ' ! for us Ipon pray, 414
With J>e good1 Batylde l, £>e martyr and preste,
That we be closed al in 3oure aray,
Where as he sitteth at his ryal feste.
Kepe joue, now I pray 3oue, Vite and Modeste, 418
} Cyryce and lulytte, kepe us fro J?e wulfe ;
And lyght oure goost eclipsed, Seynt Botulfe. 420
(25)
Prayeth for us, Marcellyan and Marke,
Wyth Geruase and Prothase, martyrs ylkone.
This world now, Seynt Edward 1 wexyth darke,
For oure ynward syght ys al-most a-gone.
Lede us, oure first martyr, Seynt Albone.
Etheldrede of Ely, I pray now helpe me,
Wyth Seynt lohn Baptist J>e natiuite.
421
425
(26)
Bryng1 us mydsomer of heuenly blys,
I pray 3ow, martyrs both, Paule and lohn ;
Wherof gladsom myrth we shal not mys,
For fat Leo pope endureth al one.
Now Petre and Paule, I trist? 3ow vpon ;
And Seynt Paule fi commemoracyon.
1 Sic in MS.
427
428
432
xix
Kl
iiij A xvm
b xvjf.
xii c xv f
xiiij/
j d
e
ix f
g
xiij
xij
-Kls
Kalendar
* lulius.
Helpe us euer to oure saluacyon,
(27)
19
* leaf 10.
July.
434
435
0 je martirs Martynyan and Processe !
Now al oure floures begynneth to fade ;
In f>is erth, Martyn, is but wreechidnesse,
Syth f>ai? Adam * put f?er-on his spade.
Now mercyful god, J?at al Ipiuges hath made, 439
For }?e translacyon of Seynt Thomas
Bryng1 us ones to his endeles solace. 441
(28)
Lo now, tyme passith of chyrry fayre ; 442
Therfor I pray ^ou f>en, Brethren seuyn,
That I may be one of Benet ys heyre,
Where $e ben yn Belyques of heuyn.
lentyl broker Ih^su ! bryng1 us }>er euyn : 446
That were to me a gracyous fortune.
Now help J?e holy bysshop Swithune. 448
(29)
1 mette a-while wttft blessid Seynt Botnlphe : 449
Now, sacred Seynt Kenelme ! with J>e I mete,
Prayng1 £e with hert, f>is Seynt Arnnlphe,
Bryng1 me to J>at mery daunsyng1 so swete.
A ! gentyl may den, O Seynt Margarete, 453
And noble Praxede, lete me bere ^oure trayne,
And joure also, Lady Magdalayne. 455
(30)
Seynt Appollinare, teche me joure games. 456
Make us, Seynt Crystyn ! heuenly lepars.
Lete us dispute with f»e, good Seynt James ;
Bryng1 us to Seynt Anne to oure versepars.
Make us to study, )?e seuen slepars ; 460
Lede us, Seynt Sampson, to pe hy3e seoles,
For }?edir, Pelyce ! comen no foles. 462
(31)
O Abdon and Sennen ! I me redresse. 463
Good Seynt German, bring1 us to heuen blys.
2. Ptocessusfrt
Martiniapus.
4. Translatio
Martini.
7. Translatio
Thomae, M.
10. Septem Fratres
Martyres.
11. Translatio Ber
dicti, Abb.
[12. Relic Sunday.]
15. Translatio
Swithuni.
[16. Four-weeks
commemoration
of St. Botulph.)
17. Kenelmus. R.
etM.
18. Arnulphus, R.
etM.
I dancing.]
20. Margareta,V.
etM.
21. Praxedes, V.
22. Maria Magdaleaa.
1 Rubricated in error,
e 2
25. lac-bus. Ap.
26. Anna, mater
Marine.
27. Septem Dormi-
entes.
23. Samson, Episc.
29. FelU, M.
30. Abuon et Senne».
31. Germanus, Ep.
etc.
20
* leaf 10,
back.
August.
1. Petrus ad Vincula
(Lammas).
viij c Kl
2. Stephanus, Papa
xvj d iiij NS
S.InventioStephani.
Diaconi et Proto-
v e iij Ns
martyris.
£* * TkT ,
1J NS
5. Oswiiaus, R.
etM.
xiij g Nonas.
6. Sixtus, P. et M.
ij A viij)
7. Donatus, Ep.
etM.
b vij [id*
8. Cyriacus, M.
X C Vj)
9. Romanus, M.
d v|Ida
10. Laurencius, M.
xviij e iiij )
11. Tyburtius, M.
vij f iij Ids
g ij)
4
13. Hypolitus cum
sociis.
xv A Idus.
14. Eusebius, Presb.
iiij b xix)
15. Assumptio B.
V.M.
c xviij rKl9
xij d xvij)
j e xvj'
18. Magnus [ought
f xv Kl8
to be 19].
19. Quinta dies infra
Octavas Assum-
ix g xiiij
ptionis.
[valentine.]
A xim
xvij b xij K16
22. Timotheus, Ep.
vj c xjj
etc.
d x-
24. Bartholomaeus.
Ap.
xiiij e ix)
iij f viij I O
g vij)
27. Ruphus, M.
xj A vj
28. Augustlnus, Ep.
et Doctor.
xix b vhZl
29. Decollatio loh.
"Rant
c iiij
Kalendar
* Augustus.
The bondes of Seynt petur of lammesse 465
Vnbynde us, blessid pope Steven !
And, sacred Stephen deken, 467
Help with J?i merytes many afolde,
With J>is kyng1 and martir Seynt Oswolde. 469
(32)
Seynt Sixte J>e pope, for goddes loue and sake, 470
With Donate Bysshop, do }>i diligence.
And with Ipi felowes, Seynt Cyriake,
With Seynt Romane, helpe J»ou oure conscience.
O f>ow worthy martir Seynt Laurence, 474
Pray for us now, with J?is Seynt Tyburce :
I hope now hit wil be neuer f>e wurse. 476
(33)
Seynt ypolyte, here my peticyon, 477
With Seynt Euseby, the holy confessour.
Now, lady ! for J?yne hy^e Assumpcyon,
3eue us J?i hande, and jn holy socour,
Thai? we no we mowe sty3e in- to j?i hyje toure, 481
Where }?at glorious Seynt Magne is with ]>e.
Lady in octavis, only socour me. 483
(34)
To my valentyne, lady ! I chese J?e, 484
Whom f>at I wyl chaunge neuer for no newe.
Now pray for me, halowed Seynt tymothe,
To my lady J?at I euer be trewe.
Help me nowe I pray J»e, Seynt? Bartilmewe, 488
So worthy apostil as f>ow art one,
For better helpe J>an prayer can I none. 490
(35)
491
SO. Felix, M.
31. Cuthberga, V.
Helpe us, Seynt Ruphe, J>e martir of crisi?;
And Seynt Austyn, fe worthy hy^e doctour,
With Decollacyon of Seynt? lohn Baptyst1:
Seynt1 Felice ! pray Ih<?su chrjBt, oure saviour,
"With blessycT Seynt Cuthburge, \>at virgyn
flour, 495
Kalendar 21
* leaf 11.
* September. September.
10. Tertia dies infra
Octavas Nat. B.
V. M.
xvj f Kl So J>at we may daunse with holy Seynt Gyle, 496 i.
v g iiij N8 In heuen an hyje aftir )?is litul whyle. 497
(36)
A iij Ns Al f>is world ys ful of care and pyne : 498
xiij b ij Ns Now pray for us, holy bysshop) Seynt Cuthbert1, *-,
ij c Nonas. With J?e holy Abbot1 Seynt Bertyne, 5. Bertinus, Abbas.
d viij | That we may now gracyously astert.
x e vij ! gitte I pray to f>e, with al myne hert1, 502
f vJ|Tjg Lady ! for )?i ioyful Natyuyte, s. Native B.V.M.
xviij g vj That, with Seynt Gorgone, fowfenke on me. 5049- Gorgoni«s.M.
(37)
vij A iiij | Souerayn lady ! fyne Vtas we done holde 505 n Prothus et Hya.
With Prothe and lacincte, A commemoracyon. °inthus> MM<
Muche grace of the, lady ! haue I herde tolde :
Now helpe, lady ! in oure temptacyon.
For J>y holy Crosse Exaltacyon, 509 w-Kaitaciocrucu.
Pray for us now, martyr, atte oure moost1 nede, [«• Nicomedes, M.J
With virgyn Edythe, for fe bettyr spede. 51 1 16- Editha- v-
(38)
A xv | Now, }>ow bysshop) and martyr, Seynt lamberfr 1512 ^ Lambert™. EP.
ix b xiiij r Kl8 Pray here for us al to swete Ihesu Crisi?
xiijj That he pourge and dense oure soules and heri?
Fro al wikked, synful, and derkely myst1.
Help us, Seynt Mathew }>e eua^ngelisl?, 516 21;tMEay"S|fus' Ap'
And al J?i felowes of Seynt Mauryce, 22;tISSLclus> M"
:iiij g ixj With f>e virgyn Tecle, to take a spyce. 518 a Tecia,v.
(39)
That heuenly spyce hit1 is ful swete : 519
Help us Jajrof, good bysshop) Fermyne. ^ tFM.mIUUS> Kp<
Sacred Cipriane, 3if hit? wold1 be gete,
With Cosme and damiane wold I dyne.
Lede us federward, as ryght as a lyne, 523
viij f iij I " Seynt Myghel 1 To fat heuenly kyngdome, 29. Michael.
Helpyng1 fe holy doctour Seynt lerome. 525 ^rgjg"**
22
Kalendar
* leaf 11,
back.
October.
1. Remigius. Ep.
2. Leodogarius, Ep.
XVJ
V
xiij
ij
A
b
c
d
e
f
g
ij N
Nonas.
XV11J
9. Dionysius, Rusti-
cus, et Eleuthe-
riiis, MM.
10. Gereon, M.
11. Nicasius, Kp.
et M.
13. Translatio Ed-
ward i, X. et Conf.
14. Calixtus, P.etM.
15. Wulfran, Ep.
j
A Idus.
16. Michael in Monte
Tumba.
b xvijl
ix
c xvj^Kls1
18. Lucas, Evang.
d xvj
19. Fr«deswitha. V.
xvij
vj
e xiiij)
f xiijlKl*1
21. Undecim Mlllia
Yirgines.
g *ij
23. Romauus,
Archiep.
25. Crispinus et
Criipini*nus.
28. Simon et ludas,
A post.
[valentine.]
31. Quintinus, M.
A
b
c
d
e
f
viij g
xmj
iij
xix
xvj
V
A
b
* October,
(40)
Kl Now, holy Seynt Remyge ! with al angeles, 526
vj N8 Thorgh Ipe prayer of Seynt Leodegare,
v N8 Bringe us now from al wrecchidnesse,
iiij N8 Beyng1 ful of synne, wrecchid sorow, and care.
iij Ns I wyl not loue f>is world1; I wil be wel ware: 530
For me hit is ^yme as to leue J>at warke,
By help of jow, martirs, Marcelle and Marke ! 533
(41)
I wyl be as stedfast? as any stone. 533
Helpe, with ]?i felowes, Seynt Dyonyse,
So J>at I may dwelle with Seynt Gerone, *
And with Seynt Nichase, in hyje paradyse ;
For of J?is lyfe I sette ful litul pryce. 537
I pray J>e, Seynt Edward?, confessour and kyng1,
That I may with Kalyxteboth hoppe and syng1. 539
•(42)
Teche me Ipe way, glorious Seynt Wolfran ! 540
To Myghel in J>e mount wold I ryde :
Klsl Flessh is my hors, sowle ys Ipe man.
I pray f e, Seynt Luke ! for to be my gyde.
Helpe me, lentyl virgyn, Seynt Pryswyde, 544
One of f>e floures here of EngloncT,
With al holy virgyns Eleuen Jjowsond1. 546
(43)
That was a present made, al in a day, 547
Ful worthy to god, Seynt Romanian.
Hys floures, in October as wel as I[n] may,
God gaderyth, Seynt Cryspyn and Cryspynian.
vij) Some of f>em fadeth and wexith al wan. 551
vj rKls Why 1 for her maners be so lewde and rude,
v) But prayeth for us now, Symon and lude. 553
(44)
I chese al seyntes to my valentyne ; 554
Kl8 Trewly I hold hit ryght as for f>e beste.
Teche us for to Daunse, blessid Seynt Quyntyne.
1 MS. has Id8 in error.
1UJ
iij
Kalendar
d
Kl
xiij
e
iiij N*
ij
f
iij NS
g
ij N*
X
A
Nonas.
b
viij\
xviij
c
s»
vij
d
vj
e
VJ
XV
f
iiij)
* Nouember.
With Al halowen, in {>is moost hy$Q feste,
Al Cristen sowles God jeue f>em good reste
A-bydyng1 hys mercy in purgatory,
Suffryng1 for her synnes peynes bitturly. 560
* leaf 12.
November.
g . >_ 1. Festum Omnium
OO/ Sanctorum.
c-o 2. Commemoratio
00° Animarum.
(45)
561
6. Leonardus, Abbas.
A
ij b
j c xviij
d xvij
e xvj
f xv
xvij g xiiij
ix
Lord Iliesu. Christ ! f>o peynes ben ful scharpe,
Now, Seynfc leonard) Helpe us J>erfore ;
Make J?em easy with f>y moste dowcet? harpe :
And J>e Foure crowned I pray jow euermore, 8*j?arattresCoronatt
Helpyng with J>y sawtry, Seynt Theodore ! 565 ». Theodoras, M.
(That hit1 may aswage some-what cure grete
Ids peyne,
With J?e prayers of holy Seynt Martyne. 567 n^Martmus, EP.
(46)
ij Id8 For J?is holy daunce, mynstralcy ys goode : 568
Idus. Now, Seynt Bruce! helpe with \>y sownded lute. is. Bricius,EP.etc.
That? cryste wassn me with his precyous blode,
Pray for us now al, sacred Seynt Machute ! ia »u*utn«, EP.
Edmunde of Pounteney, now in joure sute 572 16x^dh™Sopus
I wold J?at I were, with sacred Seynt Hewe, irc^iso> Ep' **'
Whefer hit were coloure whyte, rede, or blewe, 574
Kl3
(47)
575
20. Edmundus, B.
22. Cecilia. V. et M.
I wold be closed in cristemasse lyueray :
Helpe me fer-to, holy Edmund? J?e kyng1.
Of al J?at huge feste fere ys but1 a day,
Where j?at Seynt Cecily ys euer beyng1,
And J?ere Seynt Clement1 ys euer enduryng». 579 2a.ciemens,p.etM.
Bring1 me Ipere, Crysogone, with my valentyne, 24. chrysogonus, M.
So J>at I may daunse with Seynt Kateryne. 581 ^^herina, v.
(48)
geue me f>y blessid1 hond1, Seynt Lyne f>e pope, 582 ». Linus, p. et M.
Wold god I cowth J>y steppes wel to sewe !
Helpe me to daunse in Ipy halowed cope,
With Seynt Saturne, J?e martyr ful trewe. w> saturnim*.
Pray for us J?en, Apostel Seynt Andrewe, 586 ^ Andreas. AP.
24
* leaf 12,
back.
December.
II. Advent.]
xiij f
PJ] g
Kl
iiij
A iij Ns
x b ij Ne
c Nonas.
6. Nicolaus, Abbas. XVUJ d
vij e
8. Conceptio B.V.M. f
XV g
iiij A iiij)
b iij [ids
xij c ij)
j d Idus.
e xix)
ix f xviijj-Kl*
g
13. Lucia. V. et M.
16. 0 Sapientia!
1. Thomas, Ap.
xix A ix
25. Nativitas
Domini.
25. Stephanug,
Protomartyr.
27. Johannes. Ap.
et Evang.
28. Innocentes, MM.
29. Thomas.Archiep.
et M.
31. Silvester, P. et
Conf.
'
Kalendar
* December.
As a-3enst oure lordes Secund aduent
587
588
So at domes day fat1 we be not shent1.
(49)
A ! lorcFIhmi Christ ! to fe now I cry, 589
Whome f is fat1 we we l offende with synnes, Alas !
Lord ! haue mercy, for f y moder mary,
And also for f e loue of Seynt Nicholas.
As truly, lord?! as she fy moder was 593
Kepte from fylthed in her Concepcyon,
Wassh us from synne with f y swete passyon. 595
(50)
Saue, lord1 ! f y blessid spowse, holy church, 596
From erroures and heresyes fat doon spryng1;
And tech with feyth truly for to wurch,
With deuoute Seynfr Lucy, f yn own derlyngV
Graunt us f yne heri? as for to ioye and syng1, 600
With al of er seyntes in f y presence,
Thy worthy so grete song1, O sapience. 602
(51)
Kepe al f y peple which fat ben on lyue, 603
Them especyal fat I haue of mynd,
And al good sowles fat with f y woundes fyue
Whoom hit pleasith f e from peynes vnbynde.
Graunt us for to be with Thomas of ynde. 607
A curyous caral f is Crysteinasse
As to syng1 nowel when fat we hens passe. 609
(52)
Lo ! now ys come f e moosi? glorious feste, 610
The holy Natyuyte of oure lorde.
Goode Stephen, make us al, moste and leste,
With Seynt lohn, in vertues to acorde
That we may sitte at Innocentes borde, 614
With Thomas of Caunturbury, oure frende.
Now saue us, fader ! with, oure flessh, f y worde, 616
For Seynt Siluester loue, at oure laste ende.
1 Misreading, for ' Whome 'tis that we offend.'
THE ENGLISH REGISTER OF GODSTOW *LeafI
or 13.
[1.1 l * The 2 prolog^ of the englyssh register. Prologue,
about
1460.
THE wyseman tawht hys chyld gladly to rede bokys, and Reading
hem well vndurstonde ; for, in defaute of vndyrstondyng1, is
ofttymes causyd neclygence, hurte, harme, and hynderaunce, as standing,
. i * -, f i and under-
4 expgryence prevyth in many a place. And, for as muche standing
as women of relygyone, in redynge bokys of latyn, byn excusyd
of grete vndurstondyng1, where it is not her modyr tonge; safety.
Therfore, how be hyt that they wolde rede he? bokys of remem- Nuns can't
8 braunce and of he? munymentys wryte in latyn, for defaute of
undurstondyng'they toke ofte tymes grete hurt and hyndraunce; and yet the
and, what for defaute of trewe lernyd men that aft tymes be not necessary
redy hem to teche and counsayl, and feere also & drede to she we ^n^e-61
12 he? euydence opynly (that oftyntyme hath causyd repentaunce), merit of
Hyt we? ryht necessary, as hyt semyth to the undyrstondyng1 of estates are
suche relygyous women, that they myght haue, out of her latyn in Latin-
bokys, sum wrytynge in he? modyr tonge, where-by they myht
16 haue bettyr knowlyge of he? munymentys, and more clerely
yeue informacyon to her seruauntys, rent gedurarys, and
receyuowrs, in the absent of her lernyd counceft. Whe?-fore>
a pore brodwr and welwylle? [ . . . 3] to the goode Abbas
20 of Godstowe, Dame Alice henley, and to aft hyr couent, the Godstow
whych byn for the more party in englyssti bokys weft y-lernyd, well-read
hertyly desyryng1 the worshyp, profyt, and welfare of that inEnglish-
deuoute place, that, for lak of vndurstondyng1 he? muny[mm]tys, them with
24 sholde in no damage of he? lyflod he? aftur fallyn, In the ^ates a
worship of ou? lady and seynt John Baptist, patron of thys seyd well-wisher
monastery, the sentence for the more partye of her munymentys their Latin
1 This and other running numbers are Monasticon (edit. 1846), iv. 369, but with
added for cross-reference. They extend to the pronoun forms 'her,' 'hem,' altered to
No. 903. ' ther,' ' them.'
2 The « Prologe ' and ' Cronicle ' have * Gap left in MS. for insertion of the
been printed from this MS. in Dugdale's translator's name.
26 Foundress and Foundation
Kegisterin- conteynyd in the boke of her regysti? in latyn, aftyr the same
giving the ' forme and ordyr of the seyd boke, hath purposed with goddys
grace to make, aftur hys conceyt, fro latyn in-to englyssh,
sewtencyosly, as foloweth thys symple translation. 4
Henley, be-
ing Abbess.
story of the [2.] The cronicle * Of the hows and Monasteri of
foundation, L J
which took Godstow makyth mensyon how that place wace
fowndyde fyrst by reuelacyon in thys wyse in
wynchestre.
Edyve IN wynchester was a lady bore of the worthyest blood of
cheater" *^ys reme > ^ame Edyfe was she callyd ; hyr fadyr and modyr
had no mo chyldyr, but her onely ; and for that, she was more
lovyd and cherysshed. She was fayre and comly, and welt was 8
a lady dear with the kyng1 almyhty ; and syth was maryd to a knyht,
to God, gyr winf'am lavncelne 2. By the grace of god they had thre
Sir William chyldre to-gedyr, that muche were fayre and euinaunt3, oon*
Lanoelyne, gonne an(j ^00 dowhtyrs : the sonne was Abbot of Abendon. 12
Now of the lady y shal yow sey, in whych maner and in whych
wyse she lyuyd in goddys seruise. Aftyr the decese of her
warning ^f housbond, ofte to her come by a vysyon that she shulde goo nye
a vision, to fae Qyte tjjat Qxenford? was I-callyd, and there she shold 16
a-byde anone to J?e tyme she se a tokyn of the kyng1 allmyhty,
how and what wyse she shold byeld a place to god^s seruise.
To bynsey is thys lady come, as in a vysion her was sent in her
orisouras ; there she dwellyd and muche holy lyfe she ledde. 20
Here a ^ne voyce *n a nyht s^e herd, the whych to he? seyd what she
voice'bade shold do: — "Edyue5, Edyue, ryse the up, and, with-onte
a nunnery abydywg1, go ye there where the lyht of heuyn a-lyhtyth to the
sh^uidSsee erfc^e ^rom ^e firmament, and there ordeyne ye Mynchyns to 24
light from the seruise of god, xxiiij. of the moost gentylwomen that ye can
faUing1 fynde." And thus was furst thys abbey founded. Now syth
upon earth. js thys ia(jy Edyue to the kynge, henry the fyrst, I-goo ; and aft
helping, him hath shewyd what god in a vysyon her had sende. Whanne 28
1 The Chronicle is in French. add a John to the list of abbots of Abing-
3 'Wylleam Launcelene' in the Ex- don, probably between Ingulph (died 1158)
chequer MS. and Roger (abbot 1 1 75-84).
3 'Mult estoint beauz e[t] avenaunz,' 5 'Ediz,' fet il, ' sus levez et saunz
ibid. demorance yalez au lu ou lumer desent au
* ' Un fiz jeanoit, que de eux fu ne, a tere du firmament/ ibid.
Abindone estoit puz abbe.' This seems to
Foundress and Foundation 27
the kyng-0 Lad herd ait that she say wolde, by-twene hem they
hathe I-cornmund1 how and what wyse they myht bryng'tf thys Godstow
good dede to an ende. And so be they besy in goddys seruise
4 how they myht best bylde a chyrch in the worshyp of god, and
of ou? lady, and seynt John Baptist. Now is thys lady, dame * 13, back.
Edyue, the Abbas in her chyrche, and xxiiij. ladys vriih her. Of foundress
hyr too dowhtyrs, the eldeste, Dame Emine was her name, the
8 pn'oras of thys hows ; and Dame Hauis, the secunde dowhtyr,
the secunde prioras so longe as she lyuyd. Now byn they to
god commendyd, that was of \>e modyr bor, that for us synners
wolde fowchesafe to dye. He us graunt, yf hym plesyde, to hys
* Joy to come. Amen.
[NOTE. — In the Latin copy (Exchequer MS., at top of first page of table of
contents) is a notice of the foundress which the translator has omitted :— 'Tempore
regis Henrici primi locus iste cepit esse domus Dei in vigilia paschae per bone
memorie dominam Edivam Lancelene, primam abbatissam, que domum istam rexit
L. et unum annos et in senectute bona obiit in domino.']
[3.] The chartur of syr John synt lohn of the londe of About
Godestowe. 1135-
THE 2 sentence of thys dede is, how John of synt John hathe Grant to
grauntyd and yeue to Edyue, fyrst Abbas of Godstowe, to att
the Mynchyns of hyr cowgregacton, and to alt hyr successours, st-
16 the lande I-callyd Godstow and att thynge perteynyng1 ther-to, island
to-holes and quietly, in perpetual! almus, for hys fadyr and
modyr sonle and for the soulis of the antecessours that the seyd
lande fyrst gate and purchasyd, Ipat, aftyr the dethe of the withpro-
20 forseyde Ediue, sholde non odyr gou^rner ne Abbas be take or
chose but of the same co/igregacion in the same plase. Thys should
,, A1 IT. elect their
wytnessyth Alysauwder, -of lyncolne bysshop, and many odyr ; own abbess
and thys was confyrmyd a-fore the bysshop of Salysbury in the
24 tyme of herry the fyrst, kyngtf of yngloncT.
[NOTE. — Among the witnesses are Alexander, bishop of Lincoln (1123-47), and
the second Robert D'Oylly (died 1142). Roger, bishop of Salisbury (1102-39), was
regent for Henry I (1100-35).]
1 Mis-read ' they hathen and commaund 2 The Latin is printed in Mona&t. iv. 363,
how,' in Dugd. Monast. 3 ' solide ' in the Latin.
Consecration and First Endowments
Consecration,
USf.
Consecration
of Godstow by
Alexander,
bishop of Lin-
coln,
built by Edyve
with her own
money,
in presence of
King Stephen
and his queen.
Recital of early
benefactions,
including (not
mentioned in
separate deeds)
gifts by the
following : —
* leaf II or 14.
Matilda of
Boulogne,
queen consort ;
prince Eus-
tace; arch-
bishop Theo-
bald;
[St. Mary de
Crypt, Glou-
cester.]
Herebert,
Abbot of West-
minster ; In-
gulph, abbot
of Abingdon ;
John of St.
John, in
Wolvercote ;
[4.] The l dedycacion of the churche of Godestowe
by Alysaunder bysshop of lincolne.
THE sentence of thys letter testimonial makyth mension
that Alexander, busshop of lincolne, declined2 and halowed
the chyrche of Godstowe the ye? of ou? lord &nno M°. C.
xxxviij., the fowrthe yer of the reygne of kynge Stephyw, 4
the tyme of Edyue Abbas, that noble modyr, that3 with
hyr propur labour costys and almys edified the sayd churche
in the honour of oure lady and seynt lohn Baptist fro the
fyrst ston, beynge present the seyd kynge Stephyra and hys 8
quene Matild, with mony erels, barons, lordys, & busshoppys
in the seyd lettyr rehersyd.
Also it makyth mension of the grete yftys that the
seyd lordys indowyd the seyde churche. The kynge 12
grawntyd, of hys propur lorshyp, C. shillings valour in land1
in the * stret callyd walton ; Also Matild the quene, x.
mark worth lande ; Also Ewstachiws he? son, yerly C.
shillings in money, vn-to the tyme that he myht purchas so 16
moche land & valour ; Also Theobald, busshop of Cawntyr-
bury in lifelode, C. shillings; Also the seyd alisawnder,
busshop of lincolne, of the tol of Banbury jerly C. shillings ;
Also Robert, busshop of exetw, yerly xl. shillings, viz. xx. 20
shillings in a pension of seynt Mari chyrch of Glowcetur
I-callid the Crist, & xx. shillings in a pension of the
churche of farindon in hampton-shyre ; Also Roger, busshop
of Salisbury, a mylle I-callyd boye-mille with the lande 24
that lyeth ther-to ; Also the Abbot of Westmynster, yerly
Ix. shillings ; Also Ingulf, the Abbot of Abendon, Ix. shil-
lings ; Also John of seynt John, a mille of iiij tj. of rent
in wlgarcote, & the mansions of' ij men with the pertin- 28
ence, & a parcel of land a-fore the yate of the forseyd
chyrch in the yland that lyeth bytwene ij. waters, & half
1 Printed in Dugd. Monast. (1846) iv.
70, and the Latin, ibid. iv. 362-3.
[n all these deeds the Exchequer MS.
(Latin) has the first person, and is there-
fore much clearer. Here the English
version is very brief. There is no word
exactly corresponding to this : the nearest
phrase being ' misterium dedicationis.'
3 The Latin gives more prominence to the
co-operation of benefactors contemporary
with the foundress : ' loci illius ecclesiam
proprio sumptu et labore collatisque fide-
lium elemosinis ... a primo lapide pru-
denter edificavit.'
Consecration and First Endowments 29
the medew that is callid lambey ; Also of Robert of olley, that
odyr half of the seyd mede of lambei, and a busshel of whete
euery ye?; Also Mile of Glovcester, constable, xx. shillings Milo
4 worth ; Also the Citteseyns & burges of OxenforcF, the land in
pormeneit 1 that segrim held 2 ; Also Robert, erel of leycester Oxford
& hys wyf Amice, Countesse, Ix. shillings in land in hals ; Also !** y '
Hugo of tywe, ix. shillings in Oxenford1; Also Seuams, in the Brackiey7]
8 same town, vij. shillings; Also3, at london, in est chepe, Seuar, of
ix. shillings ; Also Roger of almeryk, xxv. acris erable euery
yere in Blechyndon and 4 as mony to warenyd ; Also Galtere of
pery, a yerd lond & v. acris in the same town j Also Reynold [same town
12 of seynt walery, heryngysham, & boieham, & the fysshynge were ing?on?]h~
with the pertynance, & al the yland betwene to briggis 5 ; Also
Edwyn6 the son of Godgose, the churche of seynt Gylys wztA-out
Oxenford, and on that othyr party of the same town, toward
1 6 Abendon, xviij shillings ; Also Robert of Wyhtham, the parte
of the mede be-sydes the seyd churche of Godstow ; Also Rapfi,
Rogers son, v. shillings in Shyptonne; Also Nicholas Basset,
j hyde of londe at risendynne ; Also simon of wahelle, half the
20 churche of pattyshul with the pertenence ; Also the seyd kynge
Stephen hathe I-graunted7 them the feyre of iij days in the
fest of seynt lohn Baptist ; Also Galtere, archydiacon of Oxen-
ford, the tythe of hys lorshyp of Cudeslaue.
24 Alle these yftys a-boue I-sayd the lord busshop Confirmation by the
& pope's legate Albericws, that tyme in Engelond, by pope's legate
,,,,., , [Albericus, bishop of
the popis auctorite hathe halouid & annexit to the seyd Ostia, 1138-48],
churche of Godstowe.
28 And aft these yftys kynge Stephen by the pnuilege by king Stephen,
of hys regal powe? ha]?e strenghyd & corafermid.
1 The Latin has, more correctly, ' Port- acres in the common fields, one half to be
man eit.' under crop, and one half to be in fallow.
3 InStephen's confirmation, no. 872, sum- 5 The Latin adds: *et supradicta quae
marized in the English version, the Latin Johannes de sancto Honore dedit in dedi-
(printed in Monast. iv. 363) adds here the catione memoratae ecclesiae.' Here ' Ho-
clause : — ' and of the gift of Ealph, the nore ' is a slip for ' lohanne.' The clause
chancellor of the queen, a marc of silver is a confirmation of John of St. John's
until he get land' (to that value). gift (p. 27) by Reginald of St. Valerie,
8 In Stephen's confirmation, the Latin who (as Rev. H. Salter informs me) held
puts Senarus' gift at iii*., and the East- from 1154 to 1166 the properties formerly
cheap land at xi*. held by John of St. John.
* The Latin is : ' xxv. acras unoquoque 6 Latin ' Elwinus.' ^
anno ad seminandum in Blechesdona et 7 A marginal note is added : ' ^[For the
totidem ad ware[c]tandum,' i. e. fifty fey ere!
30 Refoundation
by the And alt the seyd yftys the seyd busshop of Cavntwrbury, with
andJtii? a^e ^ne k°le comPany °f busshoppys ther present, by her holy
suffragans, busshoppys powe? & autorite cowfermyd, so alt they, with on
Anathema assent, on wilt, & on voyce, decreyd the sentens l of cursynge to 4
vMators. a^ *iem ^iat ^ur that ty1116 nialiciously take a-wey, or lesse
make 2, hurte, or in-to worsse chaunge 3, eny of the seyd yftys,
or eny odur in tyme to come her-aftur in augmentaczon profit
or dotac^on of the seyd church, with-out satisfaccion & dewe 8
penaunce or he passyd.
Grant of in- Fyrthyrmore the seyd legate, by the popis powe?, gafe grete
du genoe. pey^on to alt good doers & visitours or comforters of the seyd
place4. 12
Confirma- Thys wrytyn, vndur the sel of the busshop of lincoln), was
mother * cowfermid by the hole ehaptyr of the churche of lincolne,
[NOTE. — The translator strangely cuts short the indulgence. Its terms are
(Honast. iv. 363) 'to the bestowers of the above benefits the legate Albe-ric, by
apostolic authority, released one year of penances enjoined ; and he granted 40
days indulgence in each year to all who with devout heart visited CJodstow
church die Prece virginis (Prisca V. = Jan. 18) or on Nativity of S. John Baptist
(June 24).']
* leaf n or 14, [5.] *A graunt8 I-made to the kynge by
SSout 1180. bernarde of seynt walery.
Grant to Henry n THE sentence of thys dede is, how Bernard* forsayd, 16
and his successors w^ wyjj & consent of hys wyf fAnor?Wl & of hys sons
in the Crown, by " " ' L
the St. Valerie (Reginald 6) Bernard* & Thomas, hathe yeue & grauwtyd
** for euyr to kynge henry the secund the place of the
of the patronage abbey of Godstowe & all the lordshyp, right, & patron- 20
of Godstow abbey, age? & ^ advoydans of the seyd abbasye7 that I8
haue hadde in the same house, fre & quite, for me &
in order to make alt myn eyrys, from alt seruice & seculer exaccs'one, to
& n7s successours, kyngys of ynglond1, So that the 24
1 In margin : ' H j>e curse agaynst alle adds « Reginald/ who is not in the Ex-
mysdoers of this churche.* chequer MS.
In Latin : « minuere.' 7 The Latin is : ' sedem abbatiae et totum
In Latin : ' in deterius mutare.* dominiuin et ius advocationis eiusdem ab-
In margin : ' Se the pardon.* batiae.'
Printed in Monast. iv. 364. * The translator accidentally retains the
The MS. omits the wife's name, and first person of the Latin.
Conventual Church 31
forseyd Abbey here aftur be had fre & in the chef crowne of
the kynge, as1 the Abbey of seynt Edmund1 & odyr real
Abbeys 2 of Englonde, except only to hym 3 & to hys eyrys the
4 preyours almys & suffrages of the seyd Mynchyws. Also the
hole maner of wolgarcote 4 with aft hys pertenaunce hathe and also of
yeue & grauwtyd to the seyd kynge, with the consent & the
wylt of hys seyd wyf & hys eyrys, holdynge ferine & stable cote» to be
8 what euyr he wolde do ther-we't^, & neuyr to haue more Henry II
clay me, ne eny of hys eyrys, for euyr-more : and thys ys with- p ease *
out date.
[NOTE. — About 1170-5 Godstow seems to have experienced some sense of in-
security; see the protections by Henry II, nos. 883-5. Rosamond Clifford's
burial there (about 1176) perhaps commended the place to Henry II's larger
patronage. The patronage, vested in the heirs of John of St. John (no. 3), had
now come to his son-in-law, Bernard of St. Valerie (p. 29, n. 5). Accordingly,
to permit of Godstow becoming a royal foundation, Bernard of St. Valerie, by
a ceremonial act, transferred his rights in the abbey to the Crown. See Henry II's
third charter, 1182, no. 892, which recites this transference.]
[6. * Presentation by Godstow to the conventual * Lincoln
church. Eg*-
Oct. 13.
REUERENDO in chrzsfo patri et domino, domino loharaii TO John
12 pmnissione diuina "Lincolniensi Eipiscopo, vestrove vicario in J^*1*^ '
spmfaalibus generali et official! principal! seu commissario Lincoln
cmcunque vestro, humiles et deuote in chmfo filie, margareta
Tewxburye del paciencia abbatissa domus siue monastery beate Godstow
1 6 marie virginis et diui loharanis baptists de godstowe ordinis prei
sancti benedfcti et lincolme?ms diocm's et eiusdem loci conventus,
omnimodas obedienfa'as et reueren^'as tanto Reuerendo patri
debitas cum honore. Ad Rectoriara ecclesie parrochialis de
20 Godstowe iuxta eccksiam cowventualem nostfram predictam site
et eidem annexe, iam le^ritime vacantem et ad nostr&m. presenta-
cionew pleno lure spectantem, cum suis luribus et pertinenciis
vniuersis dilectum nobis in christo magistruw matheum Smythe, Matthew
24 sacre theologie professorem, vestre Reuerende paternitati intuitu
charitatis pmentamus, humiliter et deuote supplicantes qua-
1 In the margin is added: 'Hthe fredom sicut aliae regales abbatiae.'
as gret as of seynt Edmuwdisbury.' 8 i.e. to Bernard of St. Valerie.
3 Latin is : ' libera et in capite coronae, * * Wolgariscote,' in the Latin.
32 Conventual Church
Brasenose tenua eundem magistrum matheum ad eawdem eccksiam admit-
1510-48), for tere velitis, eumqwe in eadem canonice instituere, &tque curam
institution ibzWtfrn tarn secularem qwam abbatisse et monialium ibidem
to the . . ^4
rectory of committere, atqwe ipsitm in realem possessionem eiusdem eccksie 4
fore introducendwm pronuwciare (cum suis luribus et pertinen-
ciis vmuersis, Rectori ib^em ab antique debitis, et a nobis antea
qualitercuwqite cowcessis) dignemini graciose, Ceteraqwe peragere
et facere que \estro in hac parte incumbunt officio pastorali. 8
Datum in domo nosfra capitulari sub sigillo nostro communi
xiij° die me?^sis octobris Anno dommi MilWimo quingen^stmo
xxxiij0.
[Endorsed :] Oxonz'd. xiii° (?) octobris Anno d0?mni 1533° apud 12
. . . personalto fuit admissus, et rector institutes canom'ce in
eadem, etc. InY&mentum c&nonice obedientiae [cepit] & cetera .]
[NoTE. — Extant drawings and measurements^ old and modern, show that,
immediately to the north of the convent, there stood a large church, fifty yards
long by nineteen yards wide. The inmates of the convent had access to it by
a private passage from their own buildings. Outsiders entered by a door, beside
a large square western tower, outside of the conventual enclosure. The above deed,
found by Mr. T. Austin among the Exchequer Gate Records at Lincoln, shows that
this church served as the parish church for the district around Godstow. There is
attached a broken seal, 2 inches high by i^ inches wide, showing windows at the
top and a doorway arch at the foot.]
33
GODSTOW ESTATES
BERKSHIRE
[BLEWBERKY : see also in North Moreton.]
[7.1 *A Charter of lohane, the doughtir of lohn * leaf 92.
About
Tureuyle, confermynge ij. hydys of lond? in Blebyry. 1205
THE sentence of this charter is, that lohane, the doughtir of
lohn Tureuyle, with the consent and the assent of her husbond11,
yaf and grauntecT & cetera, for the helbe of the soules of his
4 fadirs and modirs and of alt his auncetwrs and successors, to
god?& cetera and to the mynchons of Godestowe there smiyngi
god, ij. hydys of lond1 in blebyry, that is to sey, tho that they
held? of the priour and couent of Nimgun 2 ; with the mese where
8 they were wonyd? to abide in the same towne ; and with aft other
pertynentis and fredomes longyng1 to the same lond1, in toftis in
croftis, in wode and mede, in weyes and pathes, in londes
I-telyd1 and not I-telyd1: To be hold1 and to be had1, frely and
12 quyetly, worshipfully and in pease for euer, and that in the most
fre and best wise as euer they held1 hit of the Monkis, yeldyng1
therof yerely xx. shillings, at Mighelmasse to the forsaid1 priour
and monkis of Nimgun for aft seruyce longyng1 to the same
16 priour and Couent, sauyng1 the kyngis s^ruyce. And she and
her heires warantized? the forsaid1 lond1 with aft his pertynentis
aforseid? to the forsaid? mynchons of Godestowe ayenst aft men
and women, & cetera 3.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Joan
Turvyle,
of two hides
held of the
convent of
Nimgun,
and a
messuage,
subject to
a pension
Of 2OS. tO
Nimgun.
1 The name c Osbert Turpin ' is given in
the Latin copy.
a ' Nimgun ' also in the Latin copy.
3 Witnesses : William, Walerand, Hu-
bert, Henry, chaplains of Godstow ; Sir
Ralph Harange j Reginald Basset.
34
*leaf VI or
18, back.
About
1190.
Confirma-
tion to God-
stow, by
Abingdon
abbey, of an
old grant
of faggots
every day.
[Hugh,
abbot,
1189-1221.]
Berkshire: Gumnor
CUMNOR
[8.] * A charter of huge Abbot of Abendon for iiij.
burthyns of thornys.
THE sentence of thys charter is, that Huge, Abbot of Abendon,
& alt the Couent of the same place, -with oone assent, yaf &
grauntyd to the Mynchons of Godstow, for the loue of god, in-to
pu? & perpetual alinys, fowre burdyns of thornys of her wood of 4
Cumnore, to be hadde euyry day thorow the yere by the syht of
he? foreste?, as they haue be wonyd to haue in tyme here a-fore :
& that they be not greuid, ne let by the gryef of any man, in any
tyme, of these burduns of thornys to be hadde. The forseyde 8
Abbot & his couent confermyd the sa'me graunt vtikh he?
wrytynge, & settynge to of he? seeles : these beynge wytnes :
& is viith-out date.
[DuxFOBD, on the Thames, in Longworth parish.]
[NOTE. — The probability is that the abbess and convent of Bertincourt in Normandy
held the feudal superiority of this property, and that therefore the tenant, Henry
of St. Valerie, could not impose a rent-charge on it without their permission. For
this leave they imposed the problematical rent, that Godstow should acknowledge
the overlordship of Bertincourt by payment of izd. when the abbess of Godstow
visited Bertincourt. Godstow seems afterwards to have accepted a smaller rent-
charge in consideration of obtaining powers of distraint for arrears. The rent-charge
does not occur either in Pope Nicholas IV's Taxatio Ecclesiastica, 1291, or at the
dissolution in 1540.]
* leaf 150.
About
1235.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Henry
of St.
Valerie,
of i2S. rent-
charge on
the mill,
subject to
a casualty
to Bertin-
court
[9.] * A Charter of henry of seynt walerye, for the
mylle of dudekesforde to the holy mynchons of
Godestowe.
THE sentence of this charter is, that henry of seynt walerye I2
yaf, & cetera, to god7 & cetera and to the holy mynchons of
Godestowe ther seruyng1 god1, for the helth of his soule and of
his auncetowrs and of his heires, xij. shillings of yerely rent
of the mylle of dudekesford1, with att encrese that myght come of 16
the mylle, as hit is conteyned1 in the charter that he made of the
abbesse and covente of Bertancourte : To be had1 and to be
hold1, into fre and perpetuel almesse, by service that he ought
to do to the said1 abbesse of Bertancourte, that is to sey, by xij. 20
Berkshire: Dudekesford 35
[pence1] to be yeldecT at Bertancourte whan the abbesse of abbey, Nor-
. mandy.
Godestowe were ther personally : these beyng1 witnes.
[10.] A Charter of the abbesse of Bertoncoiirte for the About
mylle of Dudesforde, confermyng1 the yifte of henry 1235'
of seynt Walerye, the which yaf and conformed1 hit
to the abbesse and covent of Godestowe, of xij.
shillings of yerely rente of the mylle of Dudekes-
forde.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Margarete, by the grace Confirma-
4 of god1 abbesse of Bertancourte, and aft the Couent of the same
place, graunted1 and conformed? with ther charter, the yifte of by Bertin-
Henry of seynt Walerye the whiche he made and conformed1 with abbey, of
his charter to the abbesse and Couente of Godestowe of xij. no'9'
8 shillings of yerely rente in the mylle of dudekesforde, witn
encresyng1 and makyng1 more that may come of the forsaid1
mylle2, as hit is conteynecP in the charter that the said1 henry of
seynt walerye had1 of them. Thise beyng1 witnesse, & cetera.
[11.] A-nother Charter of the same abbesse of Bertan- i246,Juiy,
court, I-made to the mynchons of Godestowe, for the
mylle aforsaid?.
12 THE sentence of this charter is, that Margarete, by the grace Confirma-
of god abbesse of Bertancourte, and the couent of the same place, stow,°by0
ordeyned" the abbesse of Godestowe to resceive of ther rente in Bertincourt
abbey, ot
Inglond1, that is to sey, vpon xij. shillings yerely of the mylle of no. 9,
16 dudekesforcT, with the pertynentis, the whiche * henry fit^ henry * leaf 150,
fitj Symeon) of Oxen ford1 held of them. They grauntecf also to ^^rentl
the said? abbesse the same power that they had? in that mylle, on a change
to distreyne the forsaicT henry, and who-so-euer held1 Ipat mylle,
20 after the lawes and customes of the Eeame of Englond?, but he
y elded1 the said? rente to the. same abbesse at the termes I-sette. power of
And into witnesse of this thynge they made ther lettres d tramt*
1 The Latin copy supplies the tenure : 3 This clause suggests that the sum of
* per duodecim denarios reddendos apud 1 2s. may have been fixed by way of tithe,
Bertincurt cum abbatissa de Godestowe and was to increase if the mill became
ibidem personaliter fuerit, pro omni ser- more profitable.
vitio.'
D 2
36 Berkshire: Dudekesford
patentis, for ever to dure to the forenamed1 abbesse, And that
hit be levied1 to the same abbesse in euery courte as to them
surely for them and vpon ther thyngis to be do. The date the
yere of oure lord1 a M*. CCxlvj*1, in the moneth of lule. 4
* leaf 150. [12.] * A Charter of the Abbesse of Bertancourte, I-made
1246' to the abbesse of Godestowe, for xij. shillings, yerely.
Orders by
Bertin-
court
abbey,
to their
tenant,
Henry, son
of Henry
Simeon of
Oxford,
to pay
8 years'
arrears of
the rent-
charge (as
in no. 9),
and to pay
it duly
in future,
with con-
firmation
to Godstow
of power of
distraint.
* leaf 161.
About
1255.
Acknow-
ledgement
to Godstow,
by Henry
Simeon,
of his obli-
gation to
pay 6s. quit-
rent out of
the mills,
THE sentence of this Charter is, that Margarete, by the grace
of god, abbesse of Bartancourte, and the Couent of the same
place, comaunded1 to her welbeloued? henry the sone of fitj hem y,
and bad1 that he shold1 lette not to yelde ther rente of the my lie 8
of dudekesford?, that is to sey, xij. shillings yerely, to the abbesse
of Godestowe that was for the tyme, with the arreragis of viij.
yere, \viihout ony agayfi) saiyng1: they made the abbesse of
Godestowe ther resceive of the said1 rente, yeldyng1 to the same 1 2
alt her power to distreyne them and euery holder of the same
mylle for the forsaid? yerely rente, also ofte tyme as hit were
nede, so moche therof makyng1 that they have no more vexacion)
by yow. Farewel : god kepe you. The date at Bertoncourte, 16
the yere of oure lord? a thowsancF, two hundred1, fourty and
Sixe.
[13.] *A couenaunte bitwene dame Emme Bluet,
abbesse of Godestow, and Henry Symeon) for vj.
shillings of yerely rente of the mylles of Dudekes-
forde.
THE sentence of this couenaunte is, that there was a cou-
euaunte I-made, bitwene dame Emme Bluet, abbesse of Gode- 20
stowe, and the couent of the same place of the one partie, and
henry Symeon) of the other partie, that is to sey, that the same
henry Symeon) knowleched1 hym-self and his heires or his
assignes to be hold1 to the mynchons of Godestow and to ther 24
successours in vj. shillings of yerely rente, of the mylles of
dudekesforcT with ther pertynentis, frely vtterly and quyetly for
ever, that is to sey, at the fest of myghelmasse iij. shillings and
at the natiuite1 of our lady iij. shillings. And yf hit happened? 28
1 « Nativity ' of Mary is September 8. No doubt the term meant is « Annunciation,'
March 25.
Berkshire: Dudekesford 37
that the same Henry Symeon) or his assignes or his heires paiect1 with power
not at the termes afore-named1 the seicT rente, hit sholcTbe lawfuft traint,
to the seicf mynchons and to ther successours to distreyne and
4 nyme, by ony certayn) smiant, in the said1 my lies or in ther
p^rtynentis, the said1 henry or his heires or his assignes, tille hit
were fully I- satisfied1 to the said1 mynchons and to ther suc-
cessours. And the said1 abbesse and mynchons of Godestow and
8 ther successours shold1 acquyte and defende the forsaid1 henry
and his heires or his assignes ayenst the abbesse and couente of
Berhemcourte, and of the vj. shillings of yerely rente kepe [= Bertin-
them harmelesse. And that this afore couencwnt, & vetera.
[14.] A lettre of attorney to William Wurth and Roger 1297,
Fynacourte, I-made of the abbesse of Godestowe, to
aske the arreragis of the my lie of Dudekesforde.
12 THE sentence of this lettre attorney is, that Alice Gorges, Claim by
abbesse of Godestowe, and the couente of the same place, made,
ordeyned1, and sette, theire welbeloued1 in crist William Wurth arrears of
and Roger Fynacourte, to axe and to take in ther name all the charge on
16 arreragis dew to them of the yerely rente of xij. shillings of the i
my lie of Dudekesford1, the whiche ben behynde to them of xviij.
yere and more, yevyng1 to theym or to the other of them power
for the same, in the my lie aforsaid1 or in his pertynentis wher-
20 so-euer they saw hit best to spede, to neme or to distreyne tille
hit were fully I-satisfyecT to them in ther name or them of the
forsaid1 arreragis, also wiih the yerely rente in the tmnes after-
ward1 of J:e forsaid1 mylle with his p^rtynentis to be paid1. Into
24 witnesse of the whicli thynge, they made these her l^res
patentee to them. The date at Godestowe, the Tewesday next
aftir the fest of seynt Martyn), the xxv. yere endyng1 of the [Martin =
reigne of kyng1 Edward1.
[15.] * A Charter of lohn at the Grove of Longeworth, * leaf 150,
I-made to the mynchons of Godestowe, for 1293,
x. shillings of yerely rente at Mighelmasse of the APril2*'
mylle of Dudekesford1.
28 THE sentence of this charter is, that lolin of the Grove of Acknow-
Longeworthe bound1 hym-self to the lady abbesse of Godestowe, en
stow, by
John at
grove, of
obligation
to pay IDS.
rent-charge
out of the
mill,
[Fishery.]
and of
Godstow's
right of
distraint
over all his
property,
even if the
mill is
destroyed
by fire or
otherwise.
38 Berkshire: Dudekesford
and to the covent of ]>e same place, in x. shillings of yerely rente
yerely to be paid1 for euer to the same in the same house of
Godestowe at Mighehnasse of the mylle of dudekesforde. And
to that paiyng1 of the forsaid1 rente, he bound1 hym-self, his heires 4
and assignes, and aft his londes and tenementis in longewortfi,
and in aft other places, that, trewly and without gile, to be do
for euer, to the same and to ther successours, yerely at the
forsaid1 terme x. shillings, into whos-so-euer handis they come, 8
also with the mylle aforsaid) waters, fysshweres, and aft other
pertynentis, to the constreynyng1 and distreynyng1 of J>e forsaid?
abbesse, Couente, or ther baillifis, that they myght distreyne
them and reteyne the distreynyngis tille the arreragis of the 12
forsaid1 rente of x. shillings, yf ther were ony (that god forbede),
also with the harmes and expensis, yf the forsaid1 abbesse and
Couente susteyned? ony by that occasion), they shold1 be fully
I-paid! And yf hit happened1 the forsaid? mylle, in ony case 16
fallyng1, to falle downe, to be cast downe, or vtterly to be
distroyecT, or to be brennyd) Ipat (that notwetAstondyng1) he shold?
be bounde, for hym and his heires, and also for aft other holdyng1
afterward1 his londes and tenementis, to the forsaid? abbesse and 20
covente, in the forsaid1 x. shillings of yerely rente for eiier, of
the forsaid? londis and tenementis, at the forsaid1 terrne euery
yere fully to paye, as hit is aforsaid1, by the forsaid1 distreynyng1.
And to more suerte of the same of the paiyng1 of the forsaid? 24
rente, as hit is I-seid? before, to be do, he bounde hym-self and
his heires to the distreynyng1 of ony maner luge of the chircn
the which the forsaid1 abbesse and couente wolde chese, that
they myght compelle them by the censure of the chirche to the 28
forsaid1 paiyng1, all excepcions I-put be-hynde. Into witnesse of
this he put to his scale. The date at Godestowe, the thursday
next after the fest of seynt George, the xxvj. yere of the reigne
of kyng1 Edwarde the sone of kynge Henry. 32
[KNIGHTON, in Compton Beauchamp parish.]
[NOTE. — Early in the history of the convent, Godstow's interest in this parish was
forgotten, and consequently erroneous readings have crept in at most mentions of
it in the Registers, both Latin and English. A branch of the St. Valerie family
possessed considerable lands here. About 1200 Wido of St. Valerie (possibly
a younger brother of Bernard) gave Godstow a rent-charge (nos. 16, 17) of 6s. Sd.
over these lands to endow an obital service for his father. About 1225 Wido's
[George •
Apr. 23].
Berkshire: Knighton 39
son, Eeginald, sold his Knighton property to St. Frideswyde's priory (Wigram's
Cartulary of St. Frideswide, 1896, ii. 297-306). The Rev. H. Salter has shown me that
Mr. Wigram, following Dugdale, has assigned the sale to the great Reginald (died
1166), whereas the conveyance is dated 'in die Translacionis B. Thome Martiris,'
and cannot therefore be earlier than 1224. In 1286, in an exchange of
rent-charges over each other's property, Godstow (no. 509) gave up this Knighton
rent- charge to St. Frideswyde's priory. The service for the founder's father
was provided for by transferring the obligation to Godstow property in North Oxford,
where, at the dissolution in 1540, we find this 6s. Sd. still charged (Monasticon, iv.
370). When, some 150 years later, the compiler of the Latin Register transcribed
the deeds about the obit, he could not make out the locality. He had recourse to
two subterfuges. Two deeds (nos. 17 and 18), owing to the founder's name, he
attached to St. Valerie donations elsewhere. A third (no. 16) he put into his un-
identified set at the end, under Cniscetuna (for Cnigtetuna). In the general charters
he has even wandered into Cumberton.']
[16.] * A Charter of Wyde of Seynt Walerye for half * leaf 151,
a marke [in] Cniscetuw. About
1200.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Wydo of seint Walerye, Grant to
for his soule and for his fadir and modir and brother sowles, yaf
and grauntecT half a marke, to god & cetera and to the holy St. Valerie,
4 mynchons of Godestow there smiyng1 god, in-to perpetuel ohargeof
almesse, in cniscetuw every yere in the anniuersarye of his fadir ^ 8dt
aforsaid1. These beyng1 witnesse, & cetera.
[17.] *A chartur of wydo of seynt walery of halfe *ieafiior
a marke of syluer I-gyfe to the couent of Godestowe. About*'
1200.
THE sentence of thys dede is that Wydo of seint walery, by Duplicate
8 the consent of hys wyfe Aubreche l and Reynald1 hys heyr, hath ceding.
5yf & graimtyd to the Mynchyns * of Godstowe, in perpetual * leaf III
almys, half a mark of syluyr euyry yere, to be take in the obit °* ;t for
of hys fadur, at the fest of seynt Geyle, of the land that Gerard Wido's
12 hath hold : thys wytnesith Thomas, Chapeleyn of Godstowe, & On Sept. ,.
many othyr vrith-m rehersyd1; & is wit^-out date.
[18.] A chartur I-made by Reynolde flat wydo. About
1200.
THYS is a confirmacion of Reynold of seynt walery of the yft Confirma-
of Guido a-boue seyd, of the seycT halfe marc*, as it is a-boue stow!by°d~
1 6 rehersyd1 in the next dede a-fore : theyes wytnes, & cetera. And Reginald of
St. Valerie,
is wtt/i-out date. of no. 16.
1 ' Albredra ' in Latin.
*Exchequer MS.
leaf 92, back.
About 1255.
40 Berkshire: North Moreton
[LANGFOED : see Langford in Oxfordshire.]
[NORTH MOBETON.]
[NOTE. — The Godstow lands in North Moreton were held by tenants on payment
of quit-rents, which are returned at £5 6s. 8d. a year, both in 1291 in pope Nicholas
IV's Taxatio Ecdesiastica and in 1540 at the dissolution (Monast. iv. 374-5).]
[19. * Charter of Osbert Turpin and his wife
loan of North Morton.
Grant to Godstow, OsBEKT and loan Turpin, for the welfare of themselves
JoanS|rurpinn anc^ ^or ^ne souls °f their ancestors and successors, gave
of the mediety of to Godstow a mediety of all their holding in North Morton,
viz. of 7 yardlands, 4 being in demesne l, and 3 in villenage. 4
In demesne : — in Est felde 6 acres which are called Hang-
indelond on the east, and 14 acres against the ditch on
the west, and in middel forlong 10 acres towards the north
and 10 in Blakelond next the north. In West felde 22 acres, 8
viz. in Northlongelonde towards the north, and in Westlongelond
20 acres towards the north at the head of the same land with
a ' furrow.' And, in addition, half of the whole messuage which
is called Parthes 2 next the north and half of all the meadow j 2
called Souene acre on the south and half of the meadow which
is called Riscroft towards the north, and 3 acres of meadow in
North meade. And 6d. of yearly rent at Michaelmas from
Richard Turepin and his heirs. 16
In villeinage : — lohn Suth, with all his land and all his
sequela and their chattels ; and Matilda, widow of Thomas
Brun, and all her land and all her sequela and their chattels ;
and Alice, widow of lohn of Withham, and all her land and all 20
her sequela and their chattels.
All this was given to Godstow in free alms, to be held by
Godstow by i Ib. of cumin at Michaelmas.
Witnesses : — Sir Henry Basset ; Sir Philip of Sanderuill ; 24
Sir "William of Seuekesworth ; Sir Henry of Baywerthe.]
(a) 4 yard
lands in
demesne,
(&) a croft,
(c) certain
meadows,
(d) and
three yard
lands in
villeinage :
tenure =
i Ib. of
cumin.
* Exchequer MS.
leaf 92. About
1255.
[20. * Charter of Henry Basset of
Northmorton.
Confirmation to God-
stow, by Henry
Basset, feudal
HENRY BASSET confirms to Godstow the gift by Osbert
Turpin and his wife Joan of the mediety of their lands
1 'In dominicis,' 'in villenagiis.' 2 'Pare' in no. 21.
Berkshire: North Moreton 41
belonging to his fee of Northmorton. For this con- superior of no. 19.
firmation Godstow gave him 9 marks of silver. Purchase money,
Witnesses :— Sir William of Wyldesor ; Sir Philip of £6'
4 Sanderuill ; Sir Henry of Bay werth ; ' Sir ' Nicholas,
then steward of Abingdon ; Peter Torold l of Oxford ;
Richard Threstwald of Dunsingeton.]
[21. * Charter of William son of lolm of ^Exchequer MS.
__ leaf 93, back.
Northmorton. About 1255.
Said William for the health of his soul and of the Confirmation to
8 souls of his heirs and ancestors, confirmed to godstow William' son of
the gift of Osbert Turpin and loan of Blebiri, viz. of j£ ^ perhapsheir
half of the croft called pare and of half]* of2 the vij. no. 19.
yerdis of lond1 with ther pMynentis in northmorton : To Q£*WI- MS> leaf
12 be had? and to be hold1, to the said1 mynchons and to ther
successours, into fre and p^rpetuett almesse, after as the
charter of the said1 Osbert and of lohane his wyf the
which they made therof shewith and witnessith. And for
16 this graunte and conn rmac ion of this charter, the forsaict1
mynchons yaf to hym I [half 3] mark of siluer. And that Purchase money,
this his graunte sholcT be sure, & cetera 4. 6*' M'
[22. * Charter 5 of loan of Blebiri, formerly *Exchequer MS.
•x. * * T- L m » -*r .LI. leaf 92, back,
wife of Osbert Turpin of Northmorton. and leaf 93.
IOAN of Blebiri in her lawful widowhood, for the ar£^t to Godstow,
20 welfare of her own soul and of the soul of her late byJoan of Blew- '
husband Osbert Turpin, * gave to Godstow half of all * leaf 93.
her holding in Northmorton with all its pertinents, viz. of the other half
half of 7 yardlands (4 in demesne and 3 in" villeinage), to jn £o. fp, 6£
24 be held by Godstow on payment of i Ib. of cumin for all
services, except foreign service; and confirmed the gift and confirmation
,' ." . a at. ir of the former gift.
made by her husband and herself.
Witnesses : — Sir William of Wyndlesore ; Eobert Basset ;
28 John of Hakeburne; Philip of Sandrevile; Hugh of
Kenetwode; Milo of Morton; James of Hauehunt6.]
1 Peter son of Torald died 1257 : Wood's Seuekesworth ; Sir Roger of Withtham ;
City of Oxford, iii. 460. Sir Henry of Bayworthe ; James, steward of
2 The English Register begins again Godstow. ' Sir,' in some instances, no doubt
after a lost leaf. describes the parish priest, not a knight.
3 Added from the Latin. 5 Given in duplicate.
4 Witnesses are : Sir William of 6 ' De Hauncia/ in the duplicate.
Berkshire: North Moreton
* Rawl.
MS. leaf
92.
About
1265.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow,
by Milo
feudal
superior,
of no. 22,
and quit-
claim of
manorial
rights.
Purchase
money,
£5 6s. 8d.
[23.] * A Charter of Milo Basset of Northmorton re-
myttyng1 and quyte-claymyng1 to the abbesse and
mynchons of Godestowe att his right and clayme
that he had? toward? the forsaid? abbesse and myn-
chons vpon homage and relefe, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Milo Basset remitted1
and furthermore quyte-claymed1, for hym and his heires for euer,
to the abbesse of Godestowe and to the mynchons there seruyng1
god1, aH the right and clayme that he had1 or myght haue toward? 4
the forsaid1 abbesse and the forsaid1 mynchons vpon homage,
relefe, warde, and sute of courte, of the tenement that fei held1
of hym in northmorton), the which tenement they had1 of the
yifte of lohane Turpyne of Blebyry, So that nother he n other 8
his heires myght no thynge axe after-ward1 of the forsaid1 abbesse
and mynchons of the forseid1 homagis relefis wardis and sutis
of courte, but att only the kyngis seruyce, as they were I-wonyoT
to do afore. And for this remyttyng1 and quyte-claymyng1 the 12
forsaid? abbesse and mynchons yaf to hym viij. mark of silver?.
And because hit shold be sure, & cetera1.
*Exchequer MS.
leaf 92. About
1265.
[24. * Charter of loan of Turevile of
Morton.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Joan
Turevile,
of 2 yard-
lands,
* leaf 92,
back,
tenure —
pair of
gloves.
IOAN of Turevile,. in her lawful widowhood, confirmed to
Godstow 2 yardlands in the fee of Morton, viz. a yardland which 16
Thomas of Harewelle once held to farm of her, and a yardland
which Alice widow of Fulc held, to be had and held by God-
stow * by payment of i pair of gloves or id. at Michaelmas for all
service, the convent also making said loan partaker of all good 20
deeds and alms which should be done at Godstow.
Witnesses : — Sir William of Suuekewerthe ; Sir Roger of
Withtham ; Robert of Botteleye ; William Calamund ; James,
steward of Godstow; Henry, porter.]
[SEACOURT or SECKWORTH.]
[NOTE. — Seuecurda, Seukeworth, Seckworth (Wood's City of Oxford, i. 325-8), and,
more recently, Seacourt, was once a considerable village in Berkshire, between
Wytham and North Hincksey, of which little now survives except the name (now
pronounced * Sec-urth ' by Wytham folks). Its decay probably dates from the con-
1 Witnesses : Sir Alan of Fernham, Robert of Sandervill, &c.
Berkshire: Sewkeworth 43
struction of the Seven Bridges Road (formerly, Botley Causeway) which gave
a more convenient access from Oxford across the many-streamed Thames valley
to the road to Bath and the west. Before that, the route went north from Oxford
through Walton for about a mile ; then turned westward ; crossed the main Thames
at Binsey ford ; and thence advanced across various branches of Thames by bridges,
whose abutments remained till living memory, to Seukeworth, just south of the
branch of Thames which parts Oxfordshire from Berkshire.
There is some confusion about the dates of the de Seukeworth family. Wood,
basing his judgement on Brian Twyne's excerpts, assumed that William of Seuke-
worth gave the tithe of his mills (no. 25) to Godstow at the foundation, in 113$. This
cannot be, since the first list in which the grant is mentioned is Henry IFs second
charter (no. 879), i.e. about 1165. The family descent seems to be — Robert of
Seukeworth, about 1140; William, about 1165; Robert, 1200; Sir William, 1230;
Dionysia, 1260.
The church (no. 27), or chapel-of-ease, of Seukeworth was a benefaction of the
family to Studley Priory in Oxfordshire.
At the dissolution, 1540, Godstow still owned (Monast. iv. 375) a parcel of meadow
called Secourt ham, valued at 35. 4^. a year, and then reckoned to be in Wytham
parish.]
[25.] *A chartur of William of Sewkeworth of the
tythe of ij. mytt & dber commodyteys in ye same. About
1165.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, that William of Sewekeworth Grant to
willith to be know that he grauntyd & gaf to god & to our> j WnHa
lady seynt Marye, & to the churche of Godstowe, & to the holy of Sewke-
4 mynchyns there seruinge god, for the helthe of hys sowle, & of
hys chyldyrn, & of hys aunceters, vfith hys wyfs also, the whyche as a nun's
he toke * to kepe to the forseyd holy mynchons to serue god : — the tithes
that is to say, he grauntyd & gaf to the holy my[n]chons
8 a-foreseyde tethe of hys too Millis of Sewekeworth in corne, grant of
money, & fysshes ; Also v. acris of hys demayne medewe, namede meadow.
heahitte 2 ; Also, by hys owne consent & meuynge of hymselfe
& of hys wyf, Turstyne, hys sone of wedloke, gaf & grauntyd Also con-
12 to the forseyd church'e of Godstowe the churche of esdome & a ^^^
yerde of londe of hys owne demayne, & tythe of the same towne son's gift of
a-fore-sayd. He, hys wyf, & hys sone, gafe & grauntyd8 alt church (no.
these thynges to be hadde for euyr in almys to the churche of
1 6 Godstowe, And gaf goddys-curs to aft aduersaries & by-nemers 4 tithe in
of thys gyft, & prayed veniaunce of god1 to falle to hem : these
beynge wytnes : & is wttA-out date.
1 ' Take ' is used as equivalent to 'give.' 2 Latin is : ' heaheite.'
The Latin is : ' cum uxore mea, quam in illis 3 In margin is put : ' U for Sewkeworth.'
praefatis sanctimonialibus ad deo servien- * Latin is : ' ablatores.'
dum commisi.'
Berkshire : Sewkeworth
[26.] A chartur of Eobert of Seuecorthe for the same.
THE sentence of thys chartu? is, that Robert of Sevecowrthe
gaf & grauntyd & cowfirmyd with hys chartur, vrith the assent
of hys eyerys, to god & to on? lady Seynt Marie & to seynt
John Baptist of Godstowe, & to the myrcchons there seruinge 4
god, for the helthe of hys sowle, & of hys auncetwrs, in-to pure
& perpetual almes, tythe of hys two myllis fuleree in Seve-
cowrthe, & that hys gyft shulde be sure, & neuer be broke, he
made hyt stronge by settynge to of hys seele ; these beynge 8
wytnes : & is wit/4-out date.
[NOTE. — The mills of which the tithes were given by the father (no. 25) were
corn-mills (the Latin having 'in blach's et nummis et piscibus'). These, in the
son's gift, must be different, being fulling-mills for the felting of woollen-cloth
(' decimas duorum molendinorum meorum fuleree in Seuecordta ').]
44
About
12OO.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Eobert
of Seuke-
worth, of
the tithes
of two full-
ing-mills.
* Exchequer MS.
(second leaf after
text). About 1240.
[27. * Grant by William, lord of Seuekeworthe,
to the church of St. Mary of Sewkeworth.
Grant by
William
of Sewke-
worth, to
the church
there, of
tithe of the
meadow
held by
Godstow
(no. 25).
I, William of Seuekeworthe, grant to the church of Sewke-
worth the tithe of that meadow which my ancestors gave to
Godstow, and, in augmentation of the tithes, if they are in- 12
sufficient, pasture for two oxen in my meadows with my own
oxen in wood and plain, etc., and the half of the water-course
of Dudwell. Confirmed by the seal of the bishop of Salisbury.
Witnesses : — Thomas, then vicar of Sewkeworth ; William 16
Moreton, archdeacon of Berkshire and dean of Abingdon;
Walter of Sewkeworth ; Kobert of Boteley.]
[WYTHAM.]
[i. Charters about Godstow conduit.]
* leaf III
or 15.
About
1135.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Robert,
son of
Vincent, of
a site near
[28.]
* A chartur I-made to the couent of Godstowe
by Robert fi;t vincent.
THE sentence of thys dede is, that Robert1 the sone of
vyncent, lord1 of Wyhtham, hath grauntyd & confirmycT to the 20
Mynchyns of Godstowe, for the helthe of hys soule & many othyr
rehersyd, a plase to make an hede of her water cundit, to haue
1 See his gift of land in 1 13! (no. 4).
Berkshire : Wytham 45
for euyr vppon hys londe the whyche lyeth be-twene the londe Wytham,
of the churcli of Wyhtham & the lond1 of lohn of appelford1 in collecting-
the secund1 furlonge of the longe more toward Wyhtham. Also reservoir,
4 he hathe grauntyd to the same Mynchyns, to make & brynge to bring the
the seyde water cundit to the cowrt of Godstowe, as wel by hys
arable lond1, Medewe, & al maner londes of hys tenauntes for his lands.
euyr, vndur the same condiczon that the damage in the defaute
8 of the reparacion * of the same mow be satysfyecT, as it is seyd1 in * leaf III
the dede next a-fore l. And is wttA-out date. back.'
[29.1 a chartur of Robert calamunt for the cundit. About
1135.
THE sentence of thys dede is, that Robert Calannmt2 of Grant to
Wyhtham hath grauntyd1 & confermycT to the Mynchyns of GyKob7rt
12 Godstowe free lycence to make a cundit to he? cowrt of God- Calamunt,
of rights, as
stowe bothe by hys arable londe & also by hys medewe, vndur in no. 28.
the condicion that they satisfye & make good1 to hym thorow
whose londys they make he? cundyt for the harmys, by the
J6 discrescion of neyburs, for his hurt in the defaute of reparacion
of the same : & is with out date.
[30.] * a chartur of Robert Newman made to f>e couent * Jeaf in
of Godestowe of fe cundit at wytham. About
1200 ?.
THE sentence of thys dede is, how that Robert Newman Grant to
of wyhtham yaf and grauntyd, in pure & perpetual almys, for ^°^b^t
20 hym & hys eyrys, to the Mynchyns of Godstowe & here Newman,
successours, a parcefl of lond1, xij. fete of lengyth & x. of brede,
in largeing1 & augmentynge the hede of the cundyte & for the of an en-
howse byldynge there-vppon, the whyche hede was grauntyd1 of Ofthereser-
24 Robert the sone of Vincent, as hyt shal be more playnly shewyd1 voir-site,
in the next dede folowynge3, with fre entres and re-intres to
belde & repayre the same. Also he grauntyd that the forsayd1 and right
Mynchyns mowe repayre & amend1 the forseyd1 cundyt, aftur he? repair/
28 owne wyft, as oft as nede requiryth, so that for the harmys be
made auiendes by the dyscresion of Neyburs to hem that be hurtyd
by occasyon of suche reparacion, & cetera. And is with-out date.
[NOTE. — I take this conduit to be for the supply of drinking water to the nunnery.
Somewhere beyond the village of Wytham, a reservoir seems to have been con-
structed to catch one of the springs which gush out of the foot of the Berkshire
1 Now no. 29. a Probably the same as Robert, son of Vincent. 8 Now no. 28.
46 Berkshire: Wytham
hills. Mr. H. Hurst points out the difficulty of supposing engineers at that date
to be capable of conducting a stream of water under the branches of Thames which
lie between Wytham and Grodstow. But Oseney Abbey (Wood's City of Oxford, ii. 205)
was supplied by a reservoir at North Hincksey, and portions of the lead-pipe
(enclosed in stone), by which the water was conveyed across the Thames valley
and probably under the streams, have been dug up in modern times. Otho
Nicholson's conduit (Wood, i. 441) at Carfax, built in 1610, of which the reservoir-
house still stands on the slope of Hincksey hill, is a later and more famous example.
Mr. Hurst has drawn my attention to a remarkable work, to supply the tanks
within the nunnery enclosure and the large fishponds outside. To the west of
Godstow there is a small, winding branch of Thames, called 'Wytham brook.'
From this, by a straight artificial canal, a stream of water was led along most of the
west side of the gardens, parallel to the convent. When near the south-west corner,
this canal turned sharply eastwards, was brought under the west wall by a fourteenth-
century arch (which still remains), formed within the court two largish baths or
ponds, passed through the east wall by an arch, no doubt fed the fishponds (which
had one arm 65 yards by 9 yards, another 23 yards by 8 yards, both of about 4 feet
deep : all filled up in 1887) which lay just south of the convent ; and thence escaped
to the Thames by a channel which was filled up in 1885. This was called the
1 Sanctuary Stream.' The field enclosed between this stream on the west and the
convent buildings on the east is called < Sanctuary Field ' ; that west of it is called
'Sentry Field,' probably from memory of the 1645-6 campaigns. At the point
where Sanctuary stream leaves Wytham brook, an elm-tree was blown down in
1899. The cattle, trampling over the spot, brought out the foundations of a
rectangular building which had no doubt been erected to keep the water in the
canal at a just level. Mr. Hurst, who made the discovery, thinks that this is the
' head ' described in no. 28. I do not agree, for I cannot find here any ' arable land,'
for the crossing of which (nos. 28, 29) permission had to be obtained. I must, how-
ever, add that Mr. Hurst opines that the levels of the water round Godstow have been
greatly altered, and that lands now meadow may have been formerly plowable.]
[2. Dispute about tithe at Wytham.]
*ieaf HI or [31.] * A chartwr I-made by dyuers iuggys a-geynst J>e
124$., person of wyhtham.
Commis- ^HE sentence of thys dede is, that the Prior of seynt lamys
sioners Of Northampton had receyuyd a maundment of Gregori pope, as
byPpope hyt a-peryth by the wrytyng1 there " Nouerit vniuereitas vestm
M^rch^f ' me mandatuw domini pape," & sequitur, 4
1241, to Gregorius episcopws seruus seruorwm dei, how that Robert,
a tithe-suit, person of wyhtham, shewyd to hym & playnyd that the Abbas
of Godstowe & here couent, lohn lucy, prest, Roger wytham, &
othyr clerkes & lay men of the diocesis of Lincolne & Salisbury, 8
wrongyd hym & dyd vnryht to hym vpon certen possessions,
tethys, dewteys & othyr thynges ; wherefore oure holy fadur the
pope be-fore rehersyd comraaundid1 that the seyd Prior of seynt
Berkshire : Wytham 47
lamys shuld1 calle the partyes & here the cause by-twene hem, [Form of
appele put a-syde, wronge & vnryhtful wMholdynge cesynge;
& that he shuld make a dewe ende by-twene hem. Also, that Pa.Pal com-
mission.]
4 that he decreyd1 & ordeynyd1 be-twene hem, he shold1 charge
ferme & stabiliche, to be kej^d by the censur1 of the churche.
The wytnes that be callyd1, yf they wytHdrawe hem to sey the
trowth, for fauor, haterede, or drede, that he shuld constreyne
8 hem vndur peyne of curse, appele ceassynge & set a-syde. I-gyf
at sent lohn lateranense, the Modur churche of rome, the syxt [27 March,
kalerales of aprile the xv. yere of hys popehede.
By the autorite of thys maundeme^t, the seyd prior before
12 callyd the Abbas of Godstowe & her1 couent a-fore hym aftur the
ordyr of lawe. A-geynst whom the seyd Robert, person of Robert,
wyhtham, purposyd hys entent in thys maner. Robert, person
of wyhtham, seyth a-geynyst the Abbas & couent of Godstowe claimed
1 6 that they a-geynst sey1, a-yeynst ryht, to pay to hym, & to hys & croft in
churche, tethys comynge forth of a croft callyd wydehey with-ia. Wy*b«Bi
the boundes termys or markys of hys churche of Wyhtham,
& longynge to hym aftur the comyn lawe : for thys cause, he
20 askyth the seyd Abbas & couent of Godstowe to be constreynyde,
by censu? of the churche, to a graunt to be made of the seyd
tethys to hym & to hys churche. Also he askyth in the name
of arreragis of tethys take of the seyd? crofte for vj. yerys passyd and arrears
24 xviij. shillings aftur estymacion, the whych he desyrythe the years.
seyd Abbas & Couent to be condempnyd in by the arbitriment .
of the forseyd pn'or : furthyrmore makynge a -protestacion that,
yf hyt be shewyd? in ony wyse the seyd Abbas & couent to be
28 free & excusycT by ony special prmilege for 2 the * grauntynge of *leaf IIII
the seyd? tethys, that, as the lawe iuggyth, he to leue of hys or ie*
askynge & peticion. To whose intent was it answeryd1 in thys
maner : — The Abbas & couent of Godstow seyn that the place
32 markyd? or shewyd?, aftur, & in entent of, the seyd person, actor
& doer, is not we'tA-in the bondes of hys parisshe of wyhtham, &
so he may not aske tethys ther-of by the commune lawe ; &, yf Godstow
the same place be witA-in the boundes of the seyd1 parisshe, they exemption,
36 be not bound1 to pay the tethys of hyt, for hyt is ' nouale/ that J^^
is to sey, a feld yerly tyllycT, or ellys euyry othyr yere. Also because
they byn excusyd? & prmilegid1 by the pope fro the graunt of is novale.
1 i. e. refuse : ' contradicunt.' 2 Read ' from.'
48 Berkshire: Wytham
suche tethis ; &, to preue thys, they haue shewyd? in iuggement
the prmylege of the pope excusynge hem fro the payment of
tethys of feldys yerly or euery othyr ye? uraned11. It was askyd?
of the seyd person whethe? the seyde place we? of suche condicion 4
or none. "With hys owne mowf>e he seyd : so 2. And vppon thys
they 3 browht forth wytnes more in euyry excepcion 4 to preue
that it was so. Then, whenne hyt was shewyd that the seyd
person preuyd1 nothynge of hys entent, & hyt was shewyd opynly 8
by confession made of the part in iuggement, & what by laweful
preuynge & by preuylege of the pope, that they shuld be cler
fro gyfynge of such maner tethys, we haue gyf for the sake of
god1 the sentens in thys maner. 12
In nomine patris & f[ilii] & sfpiritus] s[ancti] amen.
Visis & inspectis & ce[tera~\.
Decision in By the autorite of ou? holy fadur the pope we assoyle & lowse,
r^dT °f sentencially & by iuggement, the Abbas & couent of Godstowe
& he? successours, in the name of the monastery, fro the
vnryhtful askynge of the seyd1 Robert, person of the churche of 16
wyhtham, of the gefynge of tethys askyd, & we put hym, hys
successours, & hys churche, to perpetual silence vppon askynge
of the seyd tethys.
To the whyche wrytynge hys seel I-put to is wytnes: The 20
yere of the incarnacion of our lorde a thowsanct1 two hundurcT
& fowrty. iiii°. Jdus februarij in the church of seynt petur at
Nor theham pton .
[3. Early charters about lands in Wytham.]
[NOTE. — At the dissolution, 1540, the only piece of Godstow property separately
noticed (Monast. iv. 375) is l Our Lady's House/ rented at los. The other Godstow
lands in this parish were no doubt reckoned in with lands in Wolvercote as forming
the home-farm of the convent, as described in Monast. iv. 376.]
1 The translator has blundered over the plaintiff ' an dictus locus esset novale, con-
contraction-form ' immunes,' and made it fessus fuit in iudicio, viva voce, quod novale
' unmed.' The clause in the Latin is : fuit pars.'
et ips[a]e immunes suwt a petfitione deci- 8 i. e. Godstow*
marum de noualibus.' * Latin : ' omni exceptione maiores/ i. e.
a Bead probably ' Some,' i. e. ' partly/ too weighty to be cavilled at.
The Latin is : when it was asked of the
Berkshire : Wytham 49
[32.] * A chartur of vincent of wyhtham for * leaf III or 15,
the londe of Myddylhey. back' About neo'
THE sentence of thys dede is, that Vincent of Wyhtham hath Confirma-
grauntyd & confermyd to the Mynchyns of Godstowe the londe
that is callyd midelei, the whyche Robert hys fadur gaf to the by Vincent,
4 seyd Mynchyns, in perpetual almys, with hys thre dowhters in tham, of
the same place Mynchyns. Also he hathe grauntyd, -with assent giftfofhers
& consent of mold1 hys wyfe & hys eyrys *, to the seyd Mynchyns, Middle-el
with hys two dowhters there I-sacryd? to god, v. acrys of medewe dower] and
8 of hys owne herytage, the whyche medewe is callycT reuenere, £^0^ a
with alt the purtenaunce, frely, for the helthe of hys sowle & (Revenere
[Nun's
auncet-wrs : & is with-out date. dower].
[NOTE. — The Latin is printed in Monast. iv. 363 : Witnesses are Vincent's sons
Robert, William, and John. The father Robert's gift was made at the foundation
(no. 4).]
[33.] *A chartur of "Roger abbot of abendon of *ieaf vior
J>e londe callyd1 pedderysham.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, that Roger, Abbot of G-rant to
12 Abendon, & alt the couent of be same place, by her commune podstow»
by Abing-
assent yaf & grauntyd1 to the Mynchons of Godstow, for the don abbey
loue of god & askynge of the kynge, in-to perpetual almys, the amx)t) II75_
londe that is callid pedderesham. Thys londe is nyhe & 84)> of a
16 boundynge to the gardyn of the Mynchons, conteynynge v. acris, on petition
& they willid that these v. acris sholde be firme & clene with- ofHenryIL
out ony c[h]alenge to the seyd Mynchons for euyr ; & is
with-out date.
[4. Later Charters about lands in Wytham.]
[34.] * A Charters of Richard? leodewyne, of wightham, * ieaf 199.
and Alice his wyf, confermyng1 to Thomas Pacokes
2
a mesuage with a crofte and half an acre of arrable
lonoT in the towne of wyghtham.
20 THE sentence of this charter is, that Richard1 leodewyn^ 2 of Grant ta
wyghtam and Alice his wyf hath yovene and grauntecT and by
1 An initial ' h ' has been erased. dewyn's Lane,' ' Jaudewin's Market
2 This name is of Oxford interest, as (Wood's City of Oxford, i. 132, 371).
giving a reasonable derivation of 'Jaw-
50
Berkshire : Wightham
Pacokes,
by Richard
and Alice
Jeodewyne,
of a mes-
suage,croft,
and half-
acre,
subject to
quit-rent
to Cale-
mondes-
place,
and to the
ward of
Windsor,
Id.
tliere present chartire conformed1 to Thomas Pacokes a mesuage
witfi a Crofte and an half acre of arrable loncT liyng1 in the towne
of wygtham, which they had1 of the yifte and graunte of Symond?
leodewyne, the whicn is sette bitwene the mesuage of Henry 4
Bolters toward the Sowthe, and bitwene the lond1 of Richard1
Foxe toward1 the Not the : To have and to hold1 att the forsaid?
mesuage, witfi the forsaid1 Crofte and half acre of arrable lond1,
witH att his other pertynentis, to the forsaid1 Thomas his heires 8
and his assignes, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruice dewe
and of right accustomed1, for ever more, yeldyng1 therof yerely to
the lord1 of a messuage whicli is called1 Calemondesplace viij. d?.
at the tmnes of Seynt Thomas the appostle, the Annunciacion) 12
of oure lady, the Natiuite of Seynt lolin Baptist, and Seynt
Michett the Archaungett, by evyne porcions ; And to the warde
of wyndesore, whan hit comytli, at every terme I-sette by the
yere, i. ofoolus, For att other seruycis. And the forsaid1 Richard1 16
and Alice his wyf and ther heires, att the forsaid1 mesuage with
the forsaid1 crofte and half acre of arrable lond1, witfi att ther
other pertynentis, to the forsaid1 Thomas his heires and his
assignes ayenst att maner of peple shatt waranti3e for ever- 20
more. In witnesse wherof to this present chartir they sette
to there scales. Thise beyug1 witnesse, Robert of wygtham,
william of Sanford1, Raaf wheler, Thomas atte Hole, waiter
Mason), Symond1 Corpel, and many other. The date at wygt- 24
ham, the xxix. day of luyn), In the yere of the reigne of kyng»
Edward1 the thirde after the conquest
Febr. 3.
Grant to
William
Brothur,
by Thomas
Pocokes,
* leaf 199,
back.
of Carter's-
place (no.
34).
[35.] * A Charters of Thomas Pocokes of wytham
confermyng1 to william Brothure of the same, and
Edithe his wyf, Luce and Alexandre theire childreS),
a mesuage and an acre of arrable lond; to the same
mesuage liyng1, in wytham, called? Cartersplace.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Thomas Pocokes of
Wytham hatfi yoven) and graunted1 and by his present charter 28
confermed1 to William Brothure of the same, and to Edithe his
wyf5, Luce and Alexandre * theire children), a mesuage and an
acre of arable lond? liyng1 to the same mesuage, in wytham
aforsaicT, the whiche is called? Cartersplace, and hit is I-sette 32
Berkshire : Wightham 51
next the mesuage that is called1 Boltaresplace : To haue and to
holde, the forsaid1 mesuage and the said1 acre of loEcTwftA alt his
pertynentis, to the forsaid1 William, Edithe, Luce and Alexandra
4 and to theire heires and to theire assignes, Of the chief lordes of
that fee, by seruycis therof dewe and of right accustomed1, for
evermore. And. the forsaid1 Thomas and his heires the forsaid1
mesuage and the seid1 acre of lond1 with aft his pertynentis, to *
8 the forsaid!1 William, Edithe, Luce, and Alexandre, and to there
heires and theire assignes, ayenste aft maner of peple shaft
warantije and defende for ever-more. In witn<sse wherof
to this present charter he sette to his scale. These beyng1
12 witnesse, Robert of Wytham, Sire waiter, person) of the chirche
of wytham, Symond Cogbel, Thomas of wormenhale, Clerk, and
many other. The date at wytham, the Sonday next aftir the
fest of the Purificacion) of oure Lady seynt Marie, In the yere
16 of the reigne of kyng- Edward1 the thirde aftir the conquest xliiij*1'.
[36.] A Chartere of Symond? leodewyne of wyghtham 1378,
confer myng1 to Kaynold? atte wykes and to william June 6*
atte wykes aH his place in wyghtham and half a
yerde lond1 with medis lesues pastures and aH other
pertynentis longyng1 to the same place.
THE sentence of this charter is that Symond1 leodewyre of Grant to
wyghtham yaf graunted1 and by his charter confermed1 to Ray-
nolcT atte wykes and to william atte wykes aft his place in
20 wyghtham afcrsaid1, and one half yerde of lond1, witn meclis, of a mes-
lesues, pasturis, and aft other pertynentis, liyng1 to the same
place : Whiche forsaid1 place is called1 yonge Calemondesplace :
To haue and to hold1, the forsaid1 place and half yerde lond1, with Caie-
24 medys, lesues, pasturis and other his pertynentis, to the forsaid1 piace.
Raynold1 and william and to theire heires and theire assignes,
Of the chief lordis of that fee, by seruyce therof dewe and of
right accustomed1, for evermore. And the forsaid1 Symond1 and
28 his heires the forsaid1 place and half yerde lond1, with medys,
lesues, pastures and other his pertynentis, to the forsaid1 Reynold1
and William and to there heires and there assignes ayenste aft
maner of peple shaft warantije for evermore. Also the forsaid1
32 Syir.oncTyaf and graunted1 vnto the same Raynold1 and william
* aft his goodes and catalles, mevable and vnmeuable, which he * leaf 200.
E 2
Berkshire : Wightham
138|,
Jan. 6.
junior, by
Alexander
Brothur,
of no 35.
hacF in the towne and feldis of wyghtham aforsaid1 or in any
other place in any wise for hens-forthe to be chalenged1 of them
or ony of them. In witnesse whereof" to this present charters
he put to his scale. These beyng1 witnesse, Robert of wightham, 4
Thomas atte hole, william Tatyn), wilKam Sandford1, Thomas
Padbury, "Walter Danndeseye, Robert Carter and others. The
date at wightham, the vjte. day of luyne, In the yere of the
reigne of kyng1 Richard1 the Seconde after the conquest the First. 8
[37.] A Charter of Alexandre, the sone of Edithe late
the wyf of william Brethere of wyghtham, confer-
myng1 to Symond1 leodewyne the yonger of wight-
ham, and to luliane his wyf, a mesuage with a
crofte and half an acre of arable lond1.
Grant to THE sentence of this charter is, that Alexandre, the sone of
Jeodewyne, Edithe late the wyf of william Brether of wightham, hath
yoven) and graunted1 and by his charter confermed1 to Symond1
leodewyne the yongere of wightham and to luliane his wyf 12
a mesuage, with a crofte and half an acre of arable lonct1 to the
same mesuage liyng1, and his pertynentis, in wightham aforsaiaT,
which mesuage is I-sette bitwene the tenement which at that
tyme Richard1 Bolles held1 on the south partye, and the crofte 16
called1 Chalcrofte of the north partie, and the same acre of
arable lond1 lieth in the same crofte : To haue and to hold1, the
forsaid1 mese and Crofte, with half an acre of arable lond1 and the
pertynentis, to the forsaid1 SymoncT and lulian) his wyf and to 20
the heires and assignes of the seicT Symond1 for evermore, Of
the chief lordis of that fee, by seruyces therof dewe and accus-
tomed1. And the forsaicT Alexandre and his heires the forsaid1
mese and crofte, with half acre of arable lond1, and his perty- 24
nentis, to the forsaid1 Symond1 and luliane his wyf and to the
heires and the assignes of the same Symond1 ayenst aft maner
of peple shaft warantije and defende for euermore. In witnesse
wherof to this charter he sette to his seale. These beyng1 wit- 28
nesse, Robert of wightham, william Tatyn), Symond1 leodewyn)
the eldire, Thomas atte hole, Thomas Padbury, waiter Daundesey,
and othere. The date at wyghtham, the vj.te day of lanyvere,
In the yere of kyng Richard1 the seconde after the conquest of 32
EngloncT the vjte.
Berkshire : Wightham 53
[38.] A relese and quyteclayme of Alexandre, the I38f,
sone of Edithe late *the wyf of william Brethere of *iekf2oo,
wightham, I-made to Symond1 leodewyn) the yonger back-
of wightham and to luliane his wyf [of] all the
right that he had1 in a mese and a crofte and half
acre of londe.
THE sentence of this quyte-clayme is, that Alexandir, the Quit-claim
sone of Edith late the wyf of william Brether, relesed? and
ali-wey for hym and for his heires for euermore quyteclaymed1
4 to Symond? leodewyn) the yonger of wightham, and to luliane Brothur, of
his wyf, and to the heires and assignes of the same Symond1, for jn no> 35.
euermore, att the right and clayme which he had1 or myght haue
in any maner wise in a mese witft a crofte and half an acre
8 of arable lond1 liyng1 to the same witn his pertynentis in the
towne and feldes of wightham, So that neither the' forsaid1
Alexandre, neither* his heires, nor none other in his name,
ony maner right or clayme in the forsaid? mese with crofte
1 2 and half acre of arable lond? and his pertynentis nor in no parte
therof fro hens-fortH make ony chalenge for euer, But fro att
maner of right and clayme in the same by this present writyng1
for euermore to be vttirly excluded1. Furthermore, the forsaid1
16 Alexandre and his heires the forsaid1 mese with crofte and half
acre of arable lond? and his pertyuentis to the forsaid? Symond?
and luliane and to the heires and assignes of the same Syinond?
ayenst att maner of peple shatt waranti3e for euer. In witnesse
20 wherof to this presente writyng1 he hath sette to his scale.
These beyng1 witnesse, Robert of wightham, William Tatyn),
Syrnond1 leodewyn) the eldird, Thomas atte hole, Thomas Pad-
bury, Walter Daundeseye, and other. The date at wightham,
24 the xij. day of lanyvere, In the yere of the reigne of kyng1
Richard? the seconde after the conquest of Englond? the vjte.
[39.] A Charters of william Tatyn) the Elder and lohn i38|,
Missenden) of Abyndon) conform yng1 to Symond? Jaa> I0<
ludewyn) the Yonger of wytham there tenement
beyng1 in the towne of wytham next to the mese
of Richard? Bollus.
THE sentence of this charter is, that william Tatyn) the Quit-claim
elder and lolin Mussyndene of AbendoiD hatti yovefi) and Jeodewya
54 Berkshire : Wightham
junior, by grauntecT and by there present charter confermed1 to Symond1
ludywyne the yongere of wytham a tenement beyng1 in the
Missenden towne of wytham next to the mese of Richard1 Bollus ; To haue
husbands and to hold1, aft the forsaid1 tenement, with aft his pertynentis 4
Brothm-^11 a^ about, Of the chief lordes of that fee, to the forsaid1 Symond1
widow and ^g beires or his assignes, frely quyetly holy wele and in pease,
no. 35), rightfully for euermore, by seruyce therof dew and of right
of aU right accugt0med!, And the forsaid1 william and loTm and * there 8
in no 3«.
* leaf 201. heires the forsaid1 tenemente, with aft his pertynentis aft aboute,
to the forsaid1 Symond1 his heires and assignes, ayenst aft maner
of peple shaft warantij 3 and surely defende for ever-more. In
witnesse wherof to this present charter they sette to there scales. 12
These beyng1 witnesse, Robert of wytham, waiter Daundeseye,
william SanforcT, Thomas Padbury, lohn Pynche, and othere.
The date at witham, the x. day of the luoneth of lanyvere,
In the yere of the reigne of kyng1 Richard1 the Seconde after the 16
conquest the xij.
1396, [40J A Charter of Symond? leodwyne of wightham and
June 21. luliane his wyf confermyng1 to william atte wyk
and to Raynold? his sone an acre and an half acre
of arable lond?, and an acre of mede, & cetera.
Grant to THE sentence of this charter is, that Symond1 leodwyne of
wightham and luliane his wyf hath yoven) and graunted1 and by
by Simon there present charter confermed1 to william atte wyk and to 20
of land and EaynolcT his sone an acre and one half acre of arable lond? and
£oss?b°ly'as one acre °^ me(^ej wherof one half acre of lond1 aforsaid1 lietft in
security for the vppirmost feld1 of the towne of wightham towarde the
[vicar of Cotage of the parson) of wightham, and one half acre lietli 24
Wytham's in the Rede lond1, and another half acre lieth in DepforcT, And
half an acre mede lietli in the mede aboue vndir Godestowe,
[yerde = and a yerde of mede lieth in Schedday, And a-nothere yerde
mede lieth in Horshey : To haue and to hold1, the forsaid1 ij. acres 28
and half acre of lond1 and mede, with aft theire pertynentis,
to the forsaid1 William and Raynold? his sone and to there heires
and assignes, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces ther-of
dew and of right accustomed1, for evermore. And the forsaide 32
Berkshire : Wightham 55
SymoncFand luliane and there heires, the forsaicFij. acres and an
half of lond1 and mede with aft his pertynentis, to the forsaide
william and RaynoloThis song and to there heires and assignes,
4 ayenst aft maner of peple shaft warantije for evermore. In
witnesse wherof to this present charter they have putte to there
scales, Thise beyng1 witnesse, Robert of wightham, william
Tatyn), Robert Carter, Thomas Paddebury, waiter Daundeseye,
8 Thomas Pocok, lohn Lye, and other. The date at wightham,
in the fest of whitsontyde, In the yere of the reigne of
kyngi Richard1 the second1 aftir the conquest of Englond1 the
xix.
[41.] A Charter of william atte wyk and of Kaynold? his 1398,
sone confer myng1 to Symond?Ieodwyne and to luliane U1
his wyf an acre and an half *of arable lond? and an * leaf 201,
back
acre of mede in Wightham.
12 THE sentence of this charter is that william atte wyk and Grant to
RaynolcT his sone yaf graunted1 and by ther present charter jeSiewyne
conformed? to Symond? leodewyne of wightham and to luliane his by William
wyf an acre and an half of arable lond1 and an acre of mede : of land and
16 Wherof one half acre of the forsaid1 lomFliett in the vppirmost S
felcf of the towne of wightham toward1 the Cotage of the parson)
of wightham, and anothere half acre lieth in RedelonoT, and
another half acre lieth in DepforcT, And half an acre of mede
20 lieth jn the mede aboue * vndir Godestowe, and a yerde mede
lietfi in Shedday, and another yerde mede lietfi in Horshey : To
have and to hold1, the forsaid? ij. acres and an half of lond1 and
mede, with aft his pertynentis, to the forsaid1 SymonoT and luliane
24 his wyf and to the heires and assignes of the forsaid? SymoncT,
frely to-gedir and in pease for euer-more, Of the chief lordes of
that fee, by seruyce therof dew and of right accustomed1. In
witnesse wherof to this present charter they sette to ther scales.
28 These beyng1 witnesse ; Robert of wightham, william Tatyn),
Robert' Cartere, waiter Daundeseye, Thomas PokoE, and other.
The date at wightham, in the fest of the holy Trynyte, In the
yere of the reigne of kyng1 Richard1 the second1 after the conquest
32 of EngeloncTxxj.
1 i. e. ' above Under-Godstow,' a part of the village.
56
Berkshire : Wightham
1404,
Aug. 10.
Grant to
Simon
Jeodewyne
by William
Caldecote,
of a portion
of the land
described
in no. 40.
* leaf 202.
1408,
July 8.
Grant to
three feof-
fees by
Simon
Jeodewyne,
of aU his
lands in
Wytham,
possibly on
mortgage.
[42.] A Charts of william Caldecote of Aylesbury and
of Elizabeth his wyf confermyng1 to Symond1 lede-
wyne of wightham an acre and a butte of arable
lond? and a butte of mede, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that William Caldecote of
Aylesbury and Elizabeth his wyf hathe yoven) and grauntecT
and by ther present chartire conformed1 to Symond1 ledewyne of
wightham and to his heires and his assignes an acre of arable 4
lond? liyng1 in Byrweye in the feldis of wightham called1 Carters,
and a butte of arable lond? liyng1 in Liteft Chaleueye, and also a
butte of mede liynge in Shorte shuddaye at Stonelake, strecchyng1
hit-self into the water of Thamyse : To haue and to hold1, the 8
forsaid? acre and butte of arable lond1 and the forsaid? butte
of mede, witfi his pertynentis, to the forsaid1 Symond1 and to his
heires and to his assignes, for euermore, Of the chief lordis
of that fee, by seruyce therof dewe and accustomed1. And the 12
forsaid? William and Elizabeth the forsaid1 acre and butte of
*arable lond1 and the forsaid1 butte of mede witn his pertynentis
to the same Syinond? ledewyne and to his heires and to his
assignes ayenst al maner of peple shaft waranti^e and defende. 16
In-to witnesse of the which thynge to this present charter they
sette to there scales. Thise beyng1 witnesse, Robert wightham,
Richard1 wightham, Roger FulbecK, Thomas PocoK, lonn Hote-
hale, and other. The date at wightham, the x. day of August, 20
In the yeie of the reigne of kyng1 henry the Fourthe after the
conquest of Englond1 the vtfi.
[43.] A Charter of Symond1 ledewyne of wightham
grauntyng1 and confermyng1 to Kichard? Bannebury,
Richard? Mountegu and lohu Otale aft his londes
and tenementis that he had? in the towne and feldes
of wightham.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Symond? ledewyne of
wightham yaf, grauntect1, and by his present charter confermed1, to 24
Richard1 Bannebury, Richard1 Mountegu, and lohn Otale, aft the
londes and tenementis which he had? in the towne and feldes of
wightham aforseicT; To haue and to hold1, aft the forsaid? londes
and tenementis, rentes and seruycis, witn meclys lesues and 28
Berkshire : Wightham 57
pasturis, and aft ther other pertynentis, to the forsaid? Richard?
Bannebury, Richard? Mountegu, and lohn Otale, yeldyng1 therof
yerely vnto the chief lordes of that fee seruyces dew and
4 accustomed1; And the forsaid? Symond? and his heires aft the
forsaid? londes and tenementis, with aft his pertynentis, to the
forsaid1 Richard? Bannebury, Richard? Mountegu, and loTm Otale,
[and] to ther heires and assignes, ayenst aft maner of peple shaft
3 warantije and defende for euermore. Into witnesse wherof
vnto this present charier he putte to his scale, These beyng1
witnesse : lohn Eburton), Richard? Wightham, lohn Coventre,
and many other. The date, the viij. day of luyft, In the yere
12 of the reigne of kyng- henry the iiij. after the conquest viij.
[44.] A charter of lohn Leyot, deane of Chestire, con- 1410,
fermyng1 to "William Golafre an acre of arable lond? Sept> H*
called? Carters and ij. Buttis of lond? and mede in the
feldis of Wightham.
THE sentence of this charter is, that lolin Leyot, deane of Grant to
Chestire, yaf, graunted) and by his present charter conformed1, to
William Golafre an acre of arable lond1 called? Carters liyng1 in by John
1 6 Byrweye in the feldes of wightham, witft ij. Buttis of lond1 and of land and
mede liyng1 in the feldes aforsaid1, wherof one Butte of arable J
lond1 lieth in liteft Chalueye, * And another Butte of mede lieth * leaf 202,
in Shorte shoddaye at StanelaE and hit strecchitli into the ao '
20 watir of Thamyse : To haue and to hold1, the forsaid? acre of
lond1 with the forsaid? ij. Buttis and aft there other pertynentis,
to the forsaid? william Golafre and to his heires and his assignes,
frely to-gedire and in pease, Of the chief lordes of that fee,
24 by seruyces therof dewe and of right accustomed1, for euermore,
ydldyng1 therof vnto the forseid? lohn Leyot, his heires, and to his
assignes, in the fest of Seynt Migheft the archaungeft ij. d?. cfoolus Quit-rent,
of yerely rente duryng1 euermore for aft others seruyces and 2* '
28 demaundes. And the forsaicT lolin Leyot and his heires the
forsaid1 acre of arable lond1 with the forsaid? ij. Buttis of lond1 and
mede, with aft there pertynentis, to the forsaid1 william Golafre
and to his heires and his assignes ayenst aft maner of peple
32 shaft warantije and defende for euer in the forme aboueseid1.
In witnesse wherof to this present chartire he sette to his scale,
These beyng1 witnesse : lohn Golafre, Edinond? Spersholt, Richard?
58
142f,
March 3.
Grant to
John
Woderove,
byMargery,
widow of
Simon
Jeodewyne
and now
wife of
Robert
Schelles-
tonof
Buckland,
Berkshire,
of Carter's-
place, as
in no. 34.
* leaf 203.
Utt,
Febr. 22.
Grant to
John
Woderove,
by two
feoffees,
Berkshire: Wightham
vvightham, waiter daundeseye, Richard1 wodeford1, lohn Otale,
Roger Bosse, and other. The date at wightham, the xiiij. day
of Septembre, The yere of the reigne of kyng- henry the Fourthe
after 'the conquest the xj**. 4
[45.] A Charter of Hobert Schellestori) of Bokelond1 and
Margery his wyf late the wyf of Symond1 ledewyne
of wightham confermyng1 to lohn woderove of
wightham and to Isabelle his wyf a mese called1
Cartersplace in wightham, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Robert Schelleston) of
Bokelond? and Margery his wyf late the wyf of SymoncT ledewyne
of wightham hath yoven) and grauntecT and by theirs present
chartir conformed1 to loftn woderove of wightham and to Isabelle 8
his wyf a mese called1 Cartersplace, in wightham aforsaid1, which
is I-sette bitwene a voide place called1 Bolters of the South
parte, and the loncT that is called1 Prynkeshalfacre on) the north
parte : To haue and to hold) the said1 mese with londis, medis, 12
lesues l, and pastures, with the pertynentis, to the forsaid1 lolin
woderove and Isabelle his wyf, to there heires and there assignes,
for euermore, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces therof
dew and of right accustomed1. Into witnesse of the which 16
thynge, to this present charter they sette to there scales, These
beyng1 witnesse : Thomas Denton), Richard Burton), Thomas
Gibbes, Richard1 ledewyne, Migheft Norton), and other. The
date at wightham, the third e day of 'Marche, The yere of the 20
reigne of knyge henry the Sixte aftir the conquest the vijtfi.
[46.] *A Chartere of lohn Wylcokys and Bichard?
Smert confermyng1 to lohn Woderove of wightham
and to lohane his wyf all that tenemente with
gardeyne liyng1 to in wightham called? Cartersplace
with londes, medis, lesues, pastures, wodes, with att
other pertynentes.
THE sentence of this charter is, that lohn wilcokys and
Richard1 Smert hath yoven), and by there present charter con-
fermecT, to lolin woderove of wightham, and to lohane his wyf, 24
att that tenement with gardeyne liyng1 to, in wightham aforsaid1,
1 i. e. lesues, leswes, or leasowes — pastures.
Berkshire : Wightham 59
called1 Carlersplace, witli londes medowes lesues pastures wodes of Carter's-
and alt other pertynentis liyng1 to the same tenement, Which fn^o. 34),
the forsaid? lolin wilcokkis and Richard1 late had1 of the yifte and and lands
which go
4 feffement of the forsaid1 loan woderove as in the charter of the with it,
same lolin woderove to them) made more playnly hit appereth :
To haue and to hold1, the forsaid? tenemente with gardeyne liyng1 perhaps as
to, londes, medis, lesues, pastures, wodis, and all his other
8 perfcynentes, to the forsaid1 lolbn woderove and lohane his wyf
and to ther heires and assignes, frely quyetly wele and in pease
for euer, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces therof dewe
and of right accustomed1. And the forsaid1 lohn wilcokkis and
12 Richard1 and ther heires, the forsaid? tenement and gardeyne
liyng1 to, londes, medis, and all other pertynentis, to the forsaid1
Idhn woderove and lohane his wyf and to ther heires and
assignes, ayenst all maner of peple shall waranti3e and defende
1 6 for ever. In witnesse of the whicn thynge to this present
charter they sette to theire scales, These beyng1 witnesse : lonn
Golafre, Squyere, william Fit3 waryne, Hugh Roose, Thomas
Deuton), Henry Lucas, and other. The date at wightham, the
20 thursday next before the fest of Seynt Mathie the Appostle, [St. Mat-
The yere of the reigne of kynge henry the Sixte after the Fe^ " i
conquest of Englond7 the ixtfi.
[47.] A Chartere of lohn woderof of wightham and 1442,
lohane his wyf confermyng'to Richard? Stonley there Nov' 5'
cosyne aH that tenement with gardeyne liyng1 to, in
wightham, called? Cartersplace, with londes medis
lesues pastures and aH other pertynentis.
THE sentence of this charter is, that lohn woderof of Grant to
24 wightham in the Counte of Berkshire and lohane his wyf hath stonley,
yoven, and graunted1, and by there present charter confermed1 to
Richard1 Stonley ther cosyne all that tenement witfr gardeyne of Carter's-
liyng1 to, in wightham aforsaid1, called1 Cartersplace, with, londes, fn^o. 34)
28 medis, lesues, pastures, wodes, and all other pertynentis longyng1
to the same tenement, which the forsaid? Idhn and luliane late
to-gedir had? of the yifte and feffemewt * of lohn Wylcokkys and * leaf 203,
Richard? Smert of Bynsey, in the towne and feldes of wightham
3 2 aforsaid1, as in a charter of the said? lohn wylcokkys and
Richard1 to them made playnly appereth. Also they yaf, and
60
and of
parcel of
Chalcroft,
on entail.
1463,
July 4.
* leaf 204.
Grant to
Thomas
Wilcocks,
Berkshire : Wightham
grauntecP, and by ther present chaiter conformed?, to the same
Richard1 Stonley, iiij. Buttes of lond? liyng1 in the north parte in
Chalcrofte in wightham aboueseid?: To haue and to hold1, the
forsaid1 tenement, gardeyne, lond1, medys, lesues, wodis, and his 4
pertynentis, and the forsaid? iiij. Buttis of lond1 in Chalcrofte,
to the forsaid? Richard1 Stonley and to the heires of his body
lawfully- begote, Of the chief lordes of that fee, by seruyces
therof dew and accustomed1, for euer. And yf hit happe the 8
same Richard? Stonley with out heire of his body lawfully
begote to dye, that than they wolle and graunte, by this present
writyng', that the forsaid1 tenemente, gardeyne, lond1, mede,
lesues, wodes, and there pertynentis, And also the iiij. Buttis. 12
of lond? in Chalcrofte aforsaid1, shaft remayne vnto kateryne, the
modir of the forsaid1 Richard? Stonley, and to her heires and
assignes for evere : To be holde, of the chief lordes of that fee}
by seruyces aboueseid1, for euer. And the forsaid1 lohn and 16
lohane his wyf and ther heires, the forsaide tenemente with
gardeyne londis medis lesues wodes and there pertynentis,
And also the forsaid1 iiij. Buttes of lond1 in Chalcrofte aboveseid1,
to the forsaid1 Richard? Stonley and to the heires of his body 20
lawfully begoten), and also, for defaute of such heires of the
same Richard1 Stonley, to the forsaid1 kateryne Stonley and to
her heires and to her assignes, ayenst aft maner of peple they
shaft warantije for ever. In witnesse of which thyng1 to this 24
present charter they sette to there scales : These beyng1 witnesse :
Robert Harecourt, knyght, Richard Harecourt, Squyere, william
Gyles, Richard? Blakeman) of Eynesham, Robert Mulleward1 of
the same, and other. The date at wightham aforseid1, the v. day 23
of the moneth of Nouembere, The yere of the reigne of kyug1
Henry the vjte after the conquest of Englond1 xxj^.
[48.] A Charter of Richard? Stonley and kateryne
Stonley confermyng1 to Thomas wylcokkis Clerk
att that mese or tenement with a gardeyns liyng1 to
in wightham called? Cartersplace with all other
pertynentis longyng1 to the same.
* THE sentence of this charter is, that Richard? Stonley and
kateryne Stonley hath yoveri), and grauuted1, and by ther present 32
charter confermed1, to Thomas wylcokkis, Clerk, aft that mese or
Berkshire : Wightham 61
tenemente witli gardyne liyng1 to, whicTi is I-sette in wightham by Eichard
in the Counte of Berkshire, called1 Cartersplace, witli londes, of°c^ter's-
medis, lesues, and pastures, wodes, and alt pertynentis to the place,
4 same mese or tenement perteynyng1 in any maner wise : which
forsaid1 tenement or mese, witli alt other before named1, and ther
pertynentis, the forsaid1 Eichard1 late had? of the yifte and
feffement of lolin woderof, late of wightham aforsaid?, and of
8 lohane his wyf. Also they yaf, and grauntecT, and by ther
present charter conformed1, to the forsaid? Thomas iiij. Buttes of and of
arable lond1 liyng1 in a crofte called1 Chalcrofte, in the north chalcroft
parte of the same crofte, in wightham aforsaid1 : To haue and to
1 2 hold1, the forseid1 tenemente or mese, with gardeyne, lond1, medis,
lesues, pastures, wodes, and alt other pertynentis, And also the
forsaid? Buttes of arable lond1, witli ther pertynentis, to the
forsaid? Thomas his heires and to his assignes, Of the chief
1 6 lordes of that fee, by seruyces therof dew and of right accus-
tomed1, for ever. And the forsaid1 Richard? and kateryne and
ther heires, the forsaid? tenemente or mese with gardyne, and
also the forsaid1 iiij. Buttis of lond1, and alt that is before I-named?,
20 witTi alt ther other pertynentis, to the forsaid1 Thomas and to his
heires and to his assignes, ayenst all maner of peple shall
waranti^e for euer. In witnesse of the which thynge to this
present charter they have putte to ther scales, These beyng1
24 witnesse : Thomas Denton) the eldir, Thomas Denton) the yonger,
William lelys, lolin Langfeld1, lolin Denton), and other. The
date at wightham aforsaid", the iiijt-h day of luylt, The yere of
the reigne of kyng1 henry the vj. after the conquest xxxj.
[49.] A Charter of Thomas wylcokkis, Clerk, con- 1465,
fermyng1 to Alexandre Martyne, Edmond? Argenteine Sept< 6'
and lohn Rudyng'Clerkis att that mese with gardeyne
liyng1 to called? Cartersplace with londes, medis,
lesues, pastures, wodis, vndirwodis and iiij. Buttes
of arable lon&with all ther pertynentis in wightham.
28 THE sentence of this charter is, that Thomas wylcokkys, Grant to
Clerk, yaf, graunted1, and by his present charter confermed1, to Thfmas by
Alexandre Martyne, Edmond1 Argenteine, and to lolin Rudyng1, Wilcocks,
Clerkis, alt that his mese, witli gardeyne liyng' to, in the towne
62
Berkshire : Wiglitham
* leaf 204, of wightham * in the Counte of Berkshire, callecT Cartersplace,
with londes, medis, lesues, pastures, wodes, vndirwodes, and aft
of Carter's-
place,
and of
parcel of
Chalcroffc.
other pertynentis overall And also he yaf, graunted1, and by
his charter conformed1, to the forsaide Alexandre, EdmoncT, and 4
lolin, iiij. Buttes of arable lond1 liyng1 in a crofte called1 Chal-
crofte, in the north parte of the same crofte, in wightham
aforsaicT: which forsaid1 mese, with londes, medys, and alt other
before rehersed1, late 1 1 had? of the yifte and feffement of Richard? 8
Stoneley and kateryne his modir : To haue and to hold1, the
forsaid? mese, vfith a gardeyne liyng1 to, londes, medes, and alt
his pertynentis, to the forsaid? Alexandre, Edmond?, and lolin, to
there heires and to ther assignes, Of the chief loides of that 12
fee, by seruyces therof dewe. And the forsaid1 Thomas and his
heires, the forsaid1 mese, vtiih gardeyne, and alt other before
named1, to the forsaid1 Alexandre and Edmond1 and lolin to there
heires and to there assignes, ayenst alt maner of peple shall 16
warantije for evermore. In witnesse of the which thynge, to
this present charter he sette to his scale ; These beyngiwitnesse:
Idhn Denton), Thomas Peny, Clerk, William Hows, John Hows,
John Fermere, and other. The 2 date at wightham aforsaid, the 20
vjte. day of Septembre, The yere of the reigne of kyng Edward
the Fourthe after the conquest vte.*
* end of
leaf 204,
back.
1 The translator retains the first person,
by a slip.
2 The last few deeds seem to have been
copted into this English Register just
subsequent to the completion of the trans-
lation of the Latin Register. They are
incomplete, affording no clue as to how
these lands and houses came to Godstow.
63
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
[BOARSTALL : see under Oakley]
[DINTON]
[NOTE. — In pope Nicholas IV's Taxatio Ecclesiastica, 1291, the Godstow properties
at Dinton and Little Missenden are put together as being in Wendover rural
deanery, and are estimated to be worth £1 7s. Sd. yearly. At the dissolution, 1540,
Godstow received (Monast. iv. 374) from ' Donyugton ' rectory and the yardland at
Ford £16 IDS. yearly, and paid as. quit-rent to the earl of Huntingdon, and 8s. 5^.
to the poor, by doles at St. Thomas the Apostle and Easter. The deeds relating to
the hamlet of Ford are given under its own name.]
[50.1 *Chartur of All; of Mynchonsey of iij acris *ieafxxv
or 36, back.
in doninton. About 1170.
THE sentence of J>is chartur is, J?at Alij l, f>e downer of Grant to St.
pagane )>e sone of lohn, gaf & grauntid; to god & to )>e
churche of seint petur of doninton, iij. acris of londe of her Agnes of Myn-
4 lordshippe, f e whyche lien vppon Ackenham nihe * J>e londe * leaf xxvi
fat was bawdewyne fraunces, & aft ]>e tithe of alt he? hei of or 37-
doninton, in-to pure & fre & perpetuel almis, for the helthe acres, and the
of her sowle & of alt her aunceturs : & )?at her gifte sholde ^e'ofhay.
8 not be reuokycT a-geine, she strengthicT hit with her writinge,
& with he? seele : & is wit^-oute date.
[51.] * Chartur of Anneis of Mynchonsy be dowhter of * leaf
pagane J>e sone of lohn of a winde-mille in donynton. 35, back.
About
THE sentence of J>is chartur is, pat agneis1, pe dowhter of 1180.
pagane J>e son of lohn, for be helfe of his 2 sowle & for f>e helfe
12 of alt his2 auncetwrs & of alt his2 heiris, gaf & grauntid1, in-to by Agnes
pure & fre & pdrpetuel almis, to god & to be churche of ou? lady chonsey,
& of seint lohn baptiste of Godestowe, & to be Mynchons the?
seruinge god1, his l winde-mille fat stondit vppon hoge wif-oute mill
1 Agnes de Monte Canisio, or de Mun- 3 ' his ' should be ' her.' The translator
chenesei, a great benefactress to Oseney often makes this mistake in charters where
(Rev. H. Salter). a lady is the donor.
64
Buckinghamshire : f Doninton
J?e towne of doninton, nyhe f>e hy wei f>e whiche strecchith fro
[Aylesbury] OxenforcT toward Alisburi, & iiij. acris of his 1 londe Ipat bin next
to f>e wei & to Ipe mille & strecchen fro Ipe mille toward? Ipe est,
to be had for euir & to be bold1, freli & quietli fro aft seculer 4
seruice : & Ipat her graunt shold1 be sure & sad12, she strength id1
hit with her seele & is wit^-oute date.
and four
acres.
*leaf
XXV or
36. About
1180.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Agnes of
Mynchon-
sey, of the
rectory of
Dinton, for
endow-
ment of the
infirmary
at Godstow,
with a re-
quest for
a cell of
Godstow at
Dinton.
[52.] * A Chartur of agnes the dowhter of Pagane of J>e
churche of donington.
THE sentence of }>is chartur is, ])at agnes, Ipe dowhtwr of
pagane Ipe sone of lohn, gaf & grauntid1, to god? & to Ipe churche 8
of oure lady & of seint lohn baptiste of Godestowe & to \>e holi
minchons J>ere seruinge god1, nameliche to f>e susteininge of
seke mynchons of Ipe infirmarie3, for Ipe \iellpe of })e sowle
of lorde henri kynge & of his sonis & of his grauntesire kynge 12
benri & for f>e heltn of his l owne sowle & of his l predecessours &
of his l successours, his 1 churche of donington, in-to perpetueft
almis, fre & quiete fro aft secule? smiice & exaccon, with aft his
pertinences, in tithis & offeringis, in londis & medis & pasturis. 16
He 4 grauntid1 also to Ipe foreseide holi rainchons, if hit plesicTgod1
& Ipe Abbas of Ipe churche of Godestowe & to aft J?e couent, an
howse of her profession to be sette in Ipe foreseide donington :
& is wztA-oute date. 20
About
1180.
*leaf
XXV or
36, back.
The grant
to Godstow,
by Agnes of
Mynchon-
sey, of the
rectory of
Dinton (no.
52) is sub-
ject to the
life interest
of the in-
cumbent,
who is to
[53.] An oj?e? charter of donington.
THE sentence of this chartur is, Ipai annes, Ipe dowhtur of
pagane Ipe * sone of lohn, gaf & grauntid Ipe churche of doninton5,
•with aft his pertinences, to J>e Infirmarie of Godestowe to susteine
seke minchons, in-to perpetuel almis & quiete fro aft ertheli 24
seruice, vndur this condicion Ipat Bartholmewe Ipe clerke, Ipe
sone of lohn clerke, sholde holde Ipe fore-seide church in-to
a perpetuel vicariage, Ipat is to sei, in medis in pasturis & in
londis, in tithis & in offerings, & in aft Binges perteininge to Ipe 28
same churche, painge yerli to Ipe fore-seide minchons x. mark
of siluer at iiij. termis, at cristemas, ij. marke & j halfe ; at
estur, ij. marke & j halfe ; at f6 fest of petur & poule, ij. marke
1 i. e. her.
2 ' Coram viris honestis fide confirmavit.'
3 ITybr seke mynchons, note in margin.
4 i. e. She. 5 MS. ' dominton.'
Buckinghamshire : If Donington 65
& j halfe ; & at Mihelmas, ij. marke & j halfe : & pe fore-namicT pay Qod-
Bartholmewe sware & cowfirmid? a-fore honest men, by his p^ion of
trowthe, pat he sholde finde pe sonys & pe dowhters of lohn ^^s ' 4d'
4 clerke his broker aftur1 his power1 & aftur pat his goode miht
suffise : &, aftur pe decese of pe fore-namid? Bartholomew, pe Eequest for
fore-namid? churche shold? bide vtturli quite to the fore-seide ^odstow at
minchons. Also if Ipe abbas & pQ convent of pe churche of Dinton.
8 Godestowe wolde make an abbey pat minchons shold1 dweft J>ere,
if f>ei sawe Ipat hit were to Ipe profite & availe of all Ipe couewt :
and is wyth-oute date.
[54.1 *The institucion of doninton bi Robert Archi- *ieaf
XXVI
decun of Bukingeham. or 37.
About
THE sentence of this institucion is, Ipat Eobert, archedecun 118°-
12 of bukingham, willid to be know, to alt peputt at pat time &
Ipat were to come afterward1, pat he had laufulli institute, &
sette in, f>e abbas of Godestowe, & aft f>e Couent of the same (of Burn-
place, in pe churche of Doninton & in aft his pertinences, & pat Beacon o?"
16 at pe peticion, axinge, and presentacion, of anneis of Minchonsey : Bucking-
& pat pis institucion sholde be ferme & sure, he confirmicF hit no™2.°
with his seele & writinge.
[55.] Chartur of Raph of Mynchonsey of ]>e churche About
of doninton. 1180'
THE sentence of f>is writinge is, pat raph of Minchonsei gaf Confirma-
20 & grauntid1, & confirmid1 v?it7i his writinge, to god & to pe
churche of ou? lady & of seiiit lohn baptiste of Godestowe & by Ralph of
to pe minchons J?ere seruinge god1, pe churche of doninton, with sey, of his
all his pertinences, in-to perpetueft almis, fre & quiete fro all
24 seculer seruice & exaccion, as anneis hir modur gaf & grauntid? in no- 5*
to pe foreseicT Minchons, & as hir writinge wittnessith : & is
•with-onte date.
[56.1 * Chartur bitwene hugh aldrede of forde & * leaf
xxxxx
william helie. or 49.
About
THE sentence of pis chartur is, pat hugh aldreoT of forde gaf, 1330.
28 grauntid1, & confirmid1, to william helie, for his homage & seruice, ^^m
ij. acris & j half of his arable londe wtt^ aft his pertinences, Helie, by
66
Hugh
Aldred, of
2.\ acres,
described
in half-acre
strips.
Quit-rent,
*leaf
XXXIX
or 49,
back.
Buckinghamshire : *[[ Donington
Hinge in f>e bowndis of Ipe towne of donington : where-of j halfe
acre lieth of Ipe weste side of ]?e gardine of )?e courte of
donington, bitwene fe londe of william hirke of f>e sowj?e side
& f>e londe of waiter bisshopiston of f>e nor]?e side, & strecchithe 4
him-selfe towarde Ipe west in-to |?e forowe of wature kniht &
towarde Ipe est in la grene diche of Ipe west side of Ipe fore-seide
gardine ; & j acre liethe vppon goshei of Ipe weste parte, bitwene
j?e londe of Robert blake of J>e sowthe parte & Ipe londe Ipai was 8
of Gefrei burgeis of \>e northe parte, & strecchithe him-selfe in-to
J?e. kinges wei toward1 Ipe est, & j halfe acre of f>e same acre more
sowthe? strecchithe m-to Ipe forowe of edithe blakistan & an-
of>er halfe acre more northe strecchif>e him-selfe in-to Ipe forowe 12
of william paume? ; & j halfe acre strecchith him-selfe in lengthe
vppon Ipe hift fro Ipe felde of hedenham vn-to Ipe londe )mt
Richard albocT helde toward1 Ipe est, & liethe in brede bitwene Ipe
londe J»at Richard cniht helde & Ipe londe Ipai Thomas fit} 16
Godwine helde; & j halfe acre strecchitti him-self in lengthe
fro Ipe londe f>at Robert dunston helde vn-to fe wei J>at ledith
to hedenham, & lietha in brede bitwene ]>e tenement Ipai william
hirk hilde & Ipe arable londe of Ipe fore-seide william hirke : to 20
be had1 & to be hold1, of him & of his heiris, to Ipe fore-seide
william of heilei & to his heiris or to whom-so-euir or whenne-
pat-eui? he wolde gif, biquefe, selle, or assine hit for riht heritage,
freli quietli pesibli & holli for euire, painge J?erof yerli to him 24
& to his heiris v. d1 of siluer at iiij. termis of Ipe yere, j>at is to
sei, at mihelmas j d1 qua., at martinmas j d1 qua., at cristemas
j <Tqwa., and at estu? I-flowricTj d1 qua., for alt seruices customs
& demaundis : & for J>is gifte graunt & confirmacion Ipe fore- 28
seide william heilei gaf to him xl. shillings of siluer in warison :
& J>e fore-seide hugh aldrect1 & his heiris waran^id1 acquitid1 &
defendicT}>e fore-seide ij. acris & j halfe of arable londe vriih alt
his pertinences to Ipe fore-seide william heilei, & to his hei*ris 32
or to his assinis, ageiniste alt men liuinge for euir, bi f>e fore-
seide seruice. In-to witnes Iper-of he sette to his seele : & is
wiih-oute date.
Buckinghamshire : If Forde 67
[FORD, in Dinton parish ; see p. 63.]
[i. Deeds about land.]
[57.] * Charter of philip fit} hugh west de la forde * leaf
of j mese with J>e pertinencis in the same towne. Or 48,
back.'
THE sentence of f is chartur is, \>ai philip fitj hugh west de About
la forde gaf, grauntid1, & confirmicP, to god1 & to Ipe churche of Sale ^0
ou? ladi & of seint lohn baptiste of Godestowe & to J»e minchons Gtodstow,
4 Iper seruinge gocF& to serue for euir, aft his mese, curtilage, his West, of a
hole crofte & mede dichid1 rownde a-boute & closid1, in Ipe towne
of forde, euin as Ipe markis shewin, bitwene f e seide mese & Ipe
mese of henri bacun vppon Ipe est side & Ipe londe that sum-time
8 was of pikot vppon j?e west side, }>e whiche mese curtilage held of
and hole crofte & mede hugh his fadur helde sum time of f>e C
fore-seide minchons in fee & heritage ; to be had & to be holde,
viiih aft he? pertinences, in medis pasturis & waters & aft olper
1 2 fredoms longinge to Ipe fore-seide mese curtilage crofte & mede,
of him & of his heiris or his assinis, to Ipe fore-seide minchons
& to here successours, in-to pure & perpetuell almis, vrith-oute
oni agein holdinge to him & to his heiris or his assinis for euir ;
1 6 & fe seide philip & his heiris or his assinis warantijid1 acquitid1
& defended1 for euir to Ipe fore-seide minchons & to here succes-
sours Ipe fore-seide mese curtilage croft & mede, with att he? [warranty
pertinences, in aft places & fredoms & eschetes, ageiniste alle
ao men & women bo)?e lues & cristinmen, w^t^ here owne costes :
& for }>is gifte graunt waranti}inge acquitinge defendinge & Purchase
confirminge, J?e fore-seicT minchons gaf to him xiij. marke of Ss^^d.
siluer a-fore hondis in warisone. Furf>ermore fat his gift graunt
24 warantijinge aquitywg1 and defendinge sholde be sure .and stable
for euir, he put to this writinge his seele : & is with-oute date.
[58.] * A quiete-claime of henri weste de la forde * leaf
^tiX^LlSI
of j mese with be pertinences. or 49.
1282,
THE sentence of J?is quiete-claime is, Ipat henri west de la April 23.
forde, J>e sone of hugh west, relesid1 & vttwrli quiete-claimid1, toG^dstow
28 for him & his heiris, to fe abbas of Godestowe & to Ipe minchons by Henry
bere seruinge god1, aft f>e riht & claime fat he had1 or in oni toother of
F 2
68
Buckinghamshire : ^f Forde
the vendor, wise miht haue in aft bat mese, curtilage, crofte & mede I-diclncT
of all title . . . ., 0 T , .£ . .
in no. 57. in euiri side & l-closi(f, as pe markis she win, in pe town de la
forde, bitwene Ipe mese & f>e crofte of henri bacun & Ipe londe
J?at was sum time of lohn pikot, Ipe whiche mese curtilage crofte 4
& mede with all here pertinences philip his brothe? gaf &
incharterid1 to \>e fore-seide abbas & minchons of Godestowe, so
Ipat nolper he ne none of his heiris sholde neuer aske ne chalenge
oni riht or claime in aft Ipat mese or in parte of Ipe curtilage 8
crofte & mede a-fore namicT. In-to witnes of f>is finge he sette
to his seele: Ipe date at Godestowe, in seint Georgis dai be
martir, Ipe x. yere of Ipe reine of kinge Edwarde.
[59.] * A quiete-claime of William heri for ij. cotages
& ij. curtilages in J>e town of ford1.
THE sentence of f>is quiet-claime is, Ipat william heri1 re- 12
mittid1 relesid1 & vtturli qmet-claimid1, for him & for his heiris,
to dame margeri dine, abbas of Godestowe, & to Ipe couent of
Ipe same place & to here successours, afi his riht & claime Ipat
he had1 or miht haue in oni wise in ij. cotages, with ij. 16
curtilages liinge Iper-to, in Ipe town of ford1, Ipe whiche cotages
with Ipe curtilages bin bitwene j?e mese of agneis bacun & le buri
wei, as certen markes Ipere yeuin & shewin; so Ipat nolper he
nolper his heiris ne non olper in his name miht not aske ne 20
chalenge here-aftur in \>e .seide cotages with curtilages liinge
J?er-to oni riht or claime in time to come. In-to witnes here-of he
put to his seele : J?e date at Godestowe, Ipe monedai next aftu? Ipe
feste of semt valentine, f>e xiiij. yere of Ipe reine of kinge Edwarde. 24
[NOTE. — '14 of king Edward' would be I28f, but Margery Dine was abbess in
Edward Ill's reign : and so it must be 14 Edward III.]
*leaf
XXXIX
or 49,
back.
13tf,
Febr. 19.
Quit-claim
to G-odstow,
by William
Heri, of
all right
in two
cottages.
*leaf
XXXIX
or 49,
back.
1313,
May i.
Proceed-
[a. Deeds about the chapel of Ford.]
[60.] * Courte 2 franciplege or lawdais I-holde for J>e
chaunteri of forde.
DONINGTON, at 3 Ipe lawdai, I-holde Ipe twisdai in J?e feste of
Ipe apostolis philip & lacob, Ipe yj. yere of Ipe reine of kinge
1 Cp. < Helie,' p. 65.
2 In the Latin copy : ' Curia tenta franci
plegii pro canteria de la ford.'
3 ' Ad visum franci plegii, tentum.'
Buckinghamshire : 1 Forde 69
Edwarde, william edricTi, tethemaw, & his felawis I-swore, pre- ingsagainst
sentid1 Ipat Ipe chauntm j?at was wonid1 to be do in J»e chapel of Vicar Of
forde bi thre dais in euiri woke of be yere, hit is witftdrawe now Pmton;
* J for neglect
4 bi sire Robert f>e vicari Ipat is nowe ; & Ipat f>e seide chauntri of to supply
J?e seide chapel was do * fro be time of J?e fundacion of ]?e seide
chapeft bi f>e parsers of donington, Ipe which haddin of Ipe lorde of Ford,
fat was J?at time j yerde of londe in forde in-to helpe to f>e seicT Or 50.
8 chapel to be susteinicT & Ipe seide chauntm to be do ; Also Ipei
sein plainli }>at. aftur Ipe churche of donington was gif to lp e abbas endow-
of Godestowe, f>9 seide chauntri1 was euer I-do bi all he? vicaris
vn-to Ipe comin of j alein Ipat was he? vicare bi Mastur Robert
12 kenelingworthe, whiche wttAdrowe maliciusli & gilfulli J?e seide
chauntri, to }>e disheritinge of \>e lorde ; & for-asmuche as lp e
abbas of Godestowe, f»e whiche holdife }>e same yerde londe,
iustifieth not her vicare to J?e seide chauntri to be don, ideo l and fines
16 & cetera in mercemente; & for Ipat, }>at sir Robert, Ipat was JJa^Tim.
}>at time vicars, knowlichith for to do f>e fore-seide chauntri in
futt courte, & did hit not bi too yere to-gedur but witA-drowe
hit in-to preiudice of )?e lorde, ideo ? & cetera.
[NOTE. — The date is given as ' 6 Edward,' which, if Edward I, would be 1278, but
in that year May-day fell on a Sunday. The year is probably 6 Edward II (see
preceding section), 1313, in which May-day fell on Tuesday. The proceedings were
taken in the court leet of Dinton manor, on presentation by the sworn jury of
tithing-men (decenarii),]
[61.] * An eschete ageinist }>e vicari of domngto[V] * leaf
for J>e chauntm of J>e forde. OT349IX
back/
20 THE sentence of ]?is euidence is, f>at petu? of Salford) escheter About
of ]?e kinges in bokingham-shire, to John Stokes, Richard wedon, pro^ed-
& hugh michel, of )?e kinges be-halfe commaundid1, to the[m] ings in
I-ioinid1 to-gedur & to eueriche of hem, Ipat att J>ei or on of hem court for
24 sholde distreine Thomas, vicari of Ipe churche of donington,
f>orow aft his londis & cataft in his bailif-wike, & fat j?ei sholde against
answere of f e getinge of Ipe same to fe kinge, so Ipat he Malet,vicar
1 ' Dicta canteria semper extitit facta 2 The ordinary formula of the manorial
per quoscunque vicarios suos usque adven- courts on finding a person guilty is ' ideo
turn, cuiusdam Alani qui ibidem fuit ipse est in misericordia,' the * mercy ' im-
vicarius per magistrum Robertum de plying a fine not fixed by statute, but
Kenellworthe, qui maliciose et fraudulenter assessed by the two ' affeerers ' of the
ad exher[ed]itationem domini.' Something court itself.
seems left out.
70
Buckinghamshire : 1 Forde
of Dinton,
for failing
to provide
services
in Ford
chapel.
* leaf XL
or 50.
1356,
Sept. 20.
* leaf XL
or 50,
back.
Promise by
Thomas
Malet, vicar
of Dinton,
made in
the ec-
clesiastical
court,
that he will
provide the
services
in Ford
chapel.
shulde finde a chaplein to singe masse in f»e chapel of forde
euiri woke in Ipe yere bi thre dais, where-to )?e seide Thomas &
all his successours bin bounde fro time oute of minde for j yerde-
londe Ipat Ipe ladi of donington gaf to Ipe seide abbas of Godestowe 4
in-to pure and perpetuel almis, & for to satisfi for f>e time of
withdrawinge of f>e fore-seioT chauntri bi viij. yere apaste &
more, as hit is I-preuid1 bi inquisicion I-made a-fore me : &
how J>e commaundiment is executid1, let me haue knowliche at 8
next shire. In-to witnes of J>is jringe J>e seele of f>e foreseid1
shreuehode was put Iper-to.
[62.] * Sentence vppon ]>e chaunteri of ]?e chapett of
Forde.
* THE sentence is f>is, Ipat si? Thomas malet, vicari of Ipe
churche of donmgton of lincolne diocese, comperinge personalli 12
a-fore mastur william downe, officiall of lincolne, in ]?e dai &
place wet^-in I-wrete, seide Ipat he wolde cese strife I-meuid1
a-geiniste him a-fore )?e discrete man, mastur lohn Cudington,
person of Ipe churche of Staunton seint lohn, his commissarie 16
special in fis parte, at Ipe instance of }>e religious women, abbas
& couent of J>e monasteri of Godestowe of f>e seide lincolne
diocese, for }>e occasion of wtt^-drawinge of a chaunteri in J?e
chapelt of Forde with-'m f>e parisshe of J»e seide church of 20
donington sette. J?e fore-seide vicari ojEfred" him-selfe a-redi to
stonde to ]>& lawe thorowe all Ipiuges & to supporte \>e burdon
of Ipat chaunteri aftur J?e custome of time I-passid1 a-fore ; (& so
forth hit folowith, euin J»e same sentence worde for worde as 24
hit is I- write in J>e iuggement a-fore i.) & vppon j?is he gafe
iuggement Ipat, aftur his owne wilful confession he sholde be
bownde to kepe J>e seide chaunteri & to supporte hit, & j?e iugge
sittinge in iuggement condempnicf him lawfulli & customabli 28
f>orowe alt Binges. In-to witnes of J>ese thinges he lete write
& to publisshe Jris opin instrument Ipat is I- write hole in [the] boke
of euidences & to strengthe hit bi ]?e hanginge to of his seele.
These Binges were I-gife & actid1 in J>e parisshe of Carthrop of 32
lincolne diocese J>e yere fro fe incarnacion of our lorde, aftur
f>e cowrse & cowntinge of Ircglonde, Millesemo CCC° Ivj, J>e
ix. indiccion of J?e bisshophocT of J>e moste holi fadur in crist &
1 Now no. 64.
Buckinghamshire : If Forde 71
lorde, lorde Innocent fe vj., pope, fe iiij. yere, fe xx. dai of
septewbre. & to kepe aft f e fore-seide f inges & neuer to do
ageiniste hem or oni of hem, f e fore-seide vicari made a bodili
4 of e, towchinge with his hondis the holi godspellis. & henri
Elsham, clerke of f e seide diocese, a-fore a commune notari, sawe
herd? & wrote aft f ese f ingis a-fore, & I-praiide made aft f ese
actes to be turnid1 in-to a cowimune forme & sinid1 hit vfith his
8 sine & name, in-to feif e & witnes of f e f inges a-fore I-put.
[63.] Instrument opin of J>e chaunteri of Forde. 1356,
Sept. 20.
THE sentence of fis instrument shortli is, fat aftur fat he Acceptance
had made a wilful! knowlich & submittid? him selfe to supporte (as in no.
f e seide chaunteri, f e seide cowmissari, mastur william downe,
12 assoilioT him, & lete make vppe fe instrument wit A his seele I- Lincoln's
sette to & ]) e sine of f e notari aforseicT.
[64.] * lugement I-made bi ]>e oflieiail of Oxenfordl * ieaf XL
or 50.
THE sentence of J>is iugement was fis, J>at religius men, ]?e |g5t6'
abbot of osenei, & fe prior of frideswith, & J?e denis of Oxen- Formal de.
1 6 ford1 & of wendouer, of lincolne diocese, assinid1 iugges bi l>e cision of
' . . ^e ecclesi-
official of lincolne, bi-twene Thomas malet, vicari of donington astical
of lp e seide diocese, & fe abbas of Godestowe & J?e couent of }?e the services
same place, comperid? a-fore hem sittinge in iugement : where ^ Foijd
20 fe seide Thomas knowliche fat bof e he & his predecessours
vicarijs, of f e seide churche, did1 to be do a chauntm in fe
chapel of forde, monedai, wodenisdai, & fredai, eueri yere ; &
f ei knowlechioT f e burdon of f e supportinge of f e same chaun-
24 teri vfith her1 owne costis, & fat f ei were wonicD to do, support,
& knowe, & make to be seide, diuine sendees fere, bi a conue-
nient chaplein, fe fore-seide dais, -with he? owne costes; & fat
f e same Thomas, for powrenesse of his vicariage, as he seide, repelling
28 witAdrow f e fore-seide chaunteri bi certeine time, & wold1 not
knowe f e burdon of f e same aftur f>e vse & maner of f e time Ple» of tlie
a-fore I-passicT: willinge & consentinge expresli fat fro fat his vicar
time forthe he wolde make to be do fat maner of chaunteri, &
32 wolde bere f e burden f erof, like as hit was wonicT; & fat he him to
sholde be condempnid? fcentencialli bi f e seide iuggis to be vndur them.
72 Buclcinghamshire : ^f Forde
support! cT & know }>e burdon perpetueft of f>e fore-seide per-
petueft chaunteri in J?e seide dais. Aftur his owne propur
confession I-do iudicialli a-fore hem, thei condempnicT & com-
maundid him fat he shol<T do f is maner of chaunteri to be do as 4
he was spedili astreinid. For f is cause, & for his knowlich I-made
a-fore f e seide official, f ei, aftur his commission & maundement
I-made to eueriche of hem & to aft to-gedur, sholde coradempne
f>e fore-seide vicari to do f e fore-seide f inges & to obei fe con- 8
dempninge bi f e sensures of f e churche & f e aggreffe of hem
spedili. Furfermore, f e seicF official chargid1 hem to compelle
him lawfulli, as ofte & whenne f ei were requiricT dewli, for f e
parte of f e seide abbas & couent. To f e which aft & eueriche 1 2
to be do, he committicf his stede to eumche of hem, with J?e
powers of lawful constreininge ; & what thei did? in ]?is maters,
f>ei sholde certifie bi here patente letters f e J & processe of Jns
iuggement conteininge as ofte & whenne J>ei were requiricT. The 16
date at Staumforde, xxiiij. dai of the moneth of septembre, f>e
yere of owre lorde Millm'mo CCClvj.
*leaf
XXXIX
or 49,
back.
1374,
Sept. 22.
Licence by
John Bo-
kyngham,
bishop of
Lincoln, to
the inhabi-
tants of
Ford, sanc-
tioning
their
having
services
said in Ford
chapel by
competent
chaplains.
[65.] * Conflrmacion of lohn bisshop of lincolne of )>e
chauntrie of }>e forde.
THE sentence of f>is confirmacion is, J>at lohn, bisshop of
lincolne, grauntid1 to men dwellinge & women in J>e towne of 20
forde, in J>e parisshe of donington of his diocise, fat fei miht
lete to sei masses to be seide, & oj?er diuine seruices, lawfulli, bi
conuenient chapleinis, in J?e fore-seide chapett of f>e towne of
forde, so j?at none oj?er sacramentes of J?e churche sholde be 24
ministird1 fere ; & leste Ipai oni preiudice we? do to ]> e person 2 or
vicari bi hit, he grauntid1 special licence to hem, bi J?e tenowre
of f>is writinge, [to] presente vn-to f>e nexte visitacion. In-to
witnis of fis he put to fis present writinge his seele. The date at 28
SleforcT, xxij. dai of September, Ipe yere of oure lorde Millesmo
CCClxxiiijo & of his consecracion xij.
[NOTE. — This deed seems to imply that, since Godstow and the vicar appointed
by Godstow failed to supply the services, the inhabitants now sought to do so by
themselves paying a chaplain.]
1 Sic in MS. Something left out. a persona = rector.
Buckinghamshire : Hegenden
73
[HUGHENDON.]
[NOTE. — The locality is fixed by the witnesses (Exchequer MS.), viz. Alexander of
Hamden ; Henry, parson of Hamden ; William Russell of Coleshull ; William
Waud of Wicombe. This particular acquisition was soon lost amidst the
Wycombe property of Godstow. There is no other separate mention of it.]
[66.] * A Charter of Raynold? Deno? fit} Richard? I-made * leaf 149,
to Pagane of Godestowe for a Grove in his wode in About
1200?
the towne of Hegeden1, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Kaynold?2 Deno? fit3
Kicharct1 yaf, & cetera, to Pagane of Godestowe, for his homage
and seruyce and xxviij. shillings, the whiche he yaf to hym in
4 warison), I grove of his wode in the towne of Hegenden), with
his pertynentis, that is to sey, that [which] is I-callecT hegyng-
. . grove, and hit strecchith hit-self in length toward1 the South
and the northe bitwene the wey8 and the arrable lond1, the
8 which conteyneth in length, fro the Beche 4 to the north hede, by
perche of xviij. fote, toward" the stonycrosse by pmjhis of xviij.
fote ; and is in brede 5 toward1 the sowth hede, of ij. perchis
and i. fote, and in the myddel, of v. pmshis and an half, and at
1 2 the north hede, beside the Beche aforsaid1, of xxij. fete : To be
had? and to be hold1, of hym and his heires, to them and to ther
heires or whom-so-ever they wold? yeve or assigne or bequetn
hit, frely quyetly wele and in pease heritably and holy, with all
1 6 fredom) to the said1 grove perteynyng1, yeldyng1 therof yerely to
hym and to his heires or to his assignes i. <T. at Mighelmasse, for
aft s^ruyce and exaccion) and for aft seculer demaund? that myght
be axed1 of the wode or lond?: and Eaynold? aforsaid1 and his
20 heires waran^ed1 and defended1 aft the forsaid? grove, with aft
ther pertynentis, to the forsaid1 Pagane and to his heires or to
whom-so-euer he wold? yeve hit, assigne, or bequeth hit, ayenst
aft men and women, by the smiyce aforsaid1. And that this
24 yifte, & cetera.
Sale, for
£i 8*., by
Reginald of
Denore,
to Pain
[probably
steward] of
Godstow,
of a strip of
wood.
[The Beech-
tree J.
* 'Hegenden' in the Latin copy (Ex-
chequer MS.).
2 < Reginaldus de Denore,' ibid.
8 i. e. the highway.
* ' A fago ' : probably some conspicuous
tree. Read : ' which contains in length
from the beech at the north end to Stoni-
croft, twenty-eight perches [measured] by
the perch of eighteen feet ' [used for measur-
ing woodland]. So in Great Waltham
manor, Essex, the arable was (1609)
measured by ' the pole of i6£ feet,' but the
woodland by ' the pole of 18 feet.'
5 i. e. in breadth at the dbuth end.
Buckinghamshire : Ickeford
[ICKFORD.]
[NoTE.— First mentioned in pope Celestine Ill's confirmation, 1192. At the
dissolution, 1540, Godstow held (Monast. iv. 373) two copyhold yardlands in Ickford,
receiving from them 153. yearly.]
* Exche-
quer MS.
leaf 64.
About
1190.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Bartho-
lomew of
Ickford, of
a rent-
charge of
6s. Sd., with
feudal
superiority
over a
virgate.
[67. * Charter of Bartholomew of ycforde.
BARTHOLOMEW of Ycford, with leave of his lord Richard son
of William, also with consent of his own wife Maud and his son
William, for the souls of his father and mother and for the
health of himself, his wife, and relatives, gave to Godstow half- 4
a-marc of rent, viz. that land which Henry Flamang holds in
Ycford with all its pertinents in wood and plain, etc., free from
all services.
Witnesses :— Robert of Witefeld ; Walter, chaplain of Gode- 8
stowe ; Robert of Bolebec ; William of Baggehurst, etc.]
* Exche-
quer MS.
leaf 64.
About
1190.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow,
by William,
son of Bar-
tholomew,
of no. 67.
[68. * Charter of William son of Bartholomew of Hicford.
WILLIAM son of Bartholomew of Hickford confirms to God-
stow his father's gift, viz. of the yardland in Hickford, which
Henry Flemyng held, and for which Henry Flemyng and his 12
heirs are to pay Godstow half-a-marc yearly.
Witnesses : — Adam, Walerand, Jordan, and Walter, chap-
lains of Godstow ; William of Baggehurst \ Fulc Brehille.]
* Exche-
quer MS.
leaf 64
and 64,
back.
About
1210.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow,
byWilliam,
son of Bar-
tholomew,
of no. 67.
* Charter of William of Hicford of a
yardland.
WILLIAM of Hicford gives to Godstow a yardland in Hicford, 16
viz. that which his father 1 Bartholomew gave, viz. that which
Henry le flamyng held.
Witnesses : — Robert le megre ; Ralph Harang ; Robert of
Cesterton ; Hugh le poure ; Henry, steward of Godstow ; Ralph, 20
son of Ralph Harang.]
? Grandfather.
Buckinghamshire: Ickeford 75
[70.] *A Charter of henry Tullus of Ickeford?, I-made * leaf 152.
to Robert Tullus, for a mese, with the pertynentis, in 1220.
the towne of Ickeforde, and a yerde londe, with the
partynentis, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that henry Tullus of Ickeford1 Grant to
yaf, & cetera, to Eobert Tullus his sone, for his homage and Tullus, by
seruyce, i. mese, witA the pertynentis, in the towne of Ickeford1
4 and a yerde of lond1, with mede and pertynentes longywg" to the messuage
forsaid1 mese in the medys of Ickeford1, the which mese and land, late
the whicn yerde lond1 henry Flemyng' somtyme held1: To be had1
and to be holde, to the forsaid1 Robert and to his heires or his
8 assignes, of hym and his heires, in fee and heritage, frely and
quyetly pesibly holy and fully, in weyes in pathes in medys in
pasturis in waters and fedyngis, and with all libertees longyng^
to the forsaid1 lond} yeldyng1 j?erof yerely to them and to ther
12 heires i. d! at Mighelmasse, and to the Abbey of Godestowe subject to
half a marke, that is to sey, at the natiuite of seynt lohn
Baptist xl. d1 and at the fest of seynt Andrew thappostle xl. d1, Godstow.
for all seruyce exacciofD.and demaund1. And the forsaid1 henry
1 6 and his heires warantijed1 aquyted1 and defended1 the forsaid1
mese, with the pertynentis, and the forsaid1 yerd1 lond1, with the
pertynentis, to the forsaid1 Eobert and to his heires or his
assignes ayenst all men for euer. And that all these afore write
20 thyngis, & cetera.
[71.] * A Charter of henry Tullus, I-made to Robert * leaf 152,
Tullus his sone, for a mese with the pertynentis and Duplicate
a yerde lond? with mede and perty nentis longyng1 of no* 7°-
therto in the feldis of Ickeford; yeldyng1 therof the
same rente as hit is I-writte in the charter afore
next, worde by worde, & cetera.
[72.] A Charter of Emme, the wyf of henry Tullus, About
I-made to Robert Tullus her sone, for a mese with 1220'
the pertynentis in the towne of lokeford1 and a yerd?
of lond? with the mede and pertynentis longyng1
therto.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Emme, the wyf of henry Confirma-
Tullus, yaf, & cetera, to Eobert Tullus her sone, for his homage • Robert
76 Buckinghamshire : Ickeford
Tullus, by and seruyce, i. mese, with the pertynentis, in the towne of
Emm^her Ickeford; and i. yerde of lond1, with niede and pertyntntis
daughter of longyng1 therto l the said1 mese in the feldis of Ickeford1, the which
Flemyng, mese and the whiah yerde lond1 henry Flemyng1 somtynie held1: 4
of no. 70. TQ be ha(J, and to be ho](j, to the forgai(j> Robert and to his
heim or to his assignes, of her and her heires, in fee and
heritage, frely and quyetly fully and holy, in weyes and pathes
in medis and pasturis in watirs and fedyngis, and with other 8
Iib0?*teis longyng1 to the forsaid? lond1, yeldyng1 therof yerely to
her and to her heires i. d1. at Mighelmasse, and to the Abbesse
of Godestowe half a marke, that is to sey, at the Natiuite of
seynt lohn Baptist xl. d?and at the fest of seynt Andrew xl. d1,
for aft seruyce exaccion) and demaunde. And the forsaid1 Emme
and her heires waran^ed? aquyted1 and defended1 the forsaid1
mese with the p^rtynentis, and the forsaid1 yerde lond1 with the
pertynentis, to Ipe forsaid1 Robert and to his heires or assignes 1
ayenst aft men and women for euer. And that thise, & cetera.
* leaf 152, [73.] *A Charter of Emme, the doughtir of fit} henry
1220!* Flemyng1, somtyme the wyf of henry Tullus of
Ickeford; I-made to Richard? her sone, for his lond1
with mede and mese with theire partynentis in the
towne and feld1 of Ickeforde.
Quit-claim THE sentence of this charter is that Emme, the dough ter of
Henry Flemyng', somtyme the wyf of Henry Tullus of Ickeford1,
his mother yaf & cetera to Richard?2 his son*?, for his homage and seruyce, aft 20
all right her lond1, with mede and mese and other pertynentis longyng1 to
n no. 70. the gai(jilon(ji in the towne and feitfof Ickeford1, the which she
held1 of the abbesse and couente of Godestowe. She yaf also
and graunted1 to the same Richard1 aft the right, fredoin), and 24
clayme that she had1 in the forsaid1 lond1, with the p^rtynentis, or
ever had1 or myght haue : To be had1 and to be hold1, with aft
* leaf 152, the partynentis and *liberteis, of her and her heires, to the
forsaid? Richard1 and to his heires or his assignes, frely quyttly 28
wele and pesibly, bothe with-out and with-iu the towne, in aft
1 in error for ' to.' in error ; or Robert may have died,
3 The Latin also has ' Richard.' The and a brother Richard have taken hia
Christian name in nos. 70, 72 may be place.
Buckinghamshire : Ickeford 77
placis and esementis longyng1 to the said1 lond?, yeldyng1 therof
yerely to the Abbesse and Couent of Godestowe half a marke of
siluer at ij. tmnes of the yere, that is to sey, at the Natiuite
4 of seynt lolin Baptist iij. shillings iiij. ct1, And at the fest of
seynt Andrew the appostle iij. shillings iiij. d1, for aft smiyce
seculer, customs, and exaccions, sutis of courtis, and aft
demaundis, savyng1 kyngis s^myce also moche as longitft to the Scutage
8 same tenement of the same towne of the same fee. And the
forsaicT Emme and her heires warantijecT aquytecT and defended?
aft the forsaid? lond1, with aft the perkynentes afore-named) as hit
is aforsaid1, to the forsaicFKichard1 and to his heires and assignes,
12 by the forsaicT smiyce, ayenst aft men for ever. And for this
yifte, graunte, & cetera, the said1 Richard? yaf to the myndecT
Emme xl. shillings of sterlyngis before handes into warison). And
>is, & cetera.
[74. * Charter of John of Hicford.
leaf 64,
1 6 JOHN of Hicford confirms to Godstow the yardland given by back.
his father1 Bartholomew, viz. that which Henry le flemyng held.
Witnesses : John son of Nigel, knight ; John of Greynvyle of Confirma-
Chilton ; Odo of Watlington ; Edmund of the park of Godstow,
ao Wodestoke. * °
At Godstow, morrow of St. Hilary, 1294.] no. 70.
[75. * Charter of a yardland in Hicford of the gift of
Sir Thomas of Appleton. leaf 64,
back.
SIR THOMAS of Appleton, knight, gave to Godstow a messuage
in the town of Hicford with a yardland and the meadow belong- Grant to
24 ing to it, which Koger son of Hereward fulb. once held in by>sir°W>
vilinage, free of all service. Thomas of
Appleton,
Witnesses: Sir Fulk of Ruycote, knight; William, master of ofamessu-
Godestow ; William, chaplain of Godestow ; John, son of Nigel
28 of Borstalle.]
1 His ancestor ?
78 Buckinghamshire : Litil Myssynden
[LITTLE MISSENDEN.]
[NOTE. — At the dissolution (1540) the land Anfric in Little Missenden parish
yielded Godstow £3 6s. 8d. yearly : Monast. iv. 374.]
* leaf VII
or 19,
back.
125f,
March 23.
Sale to
Godstow,
by Ralph
and Agnes
Chendut,
flntroit of
IV Sunday
in Lent.]
of land
called An-
fric, late
held by Sir
Ralph of
the checur
[Ralph de
Ely occurs
Baron of
the Ex-
chequer,
1241].
Sale-price
besides
taking his
sister-in-
law Ka-
therine
into a
nun's
place with-
out a por-
tion.
The sellers
to find
their own
and their
servants'
' horse and
harness '
while ob-
taining con-
firmation
in the
king's
court.
Payment to
be in two
[76.] * A quiet clayme of certeyn lond^s made to }>e
Apbbess] of G[odestowe] by R[alph] Chendut.
THE sentence of thys a-corde is, that bytwene the lady of
Godstowe & the couent of that on party, & Raph Chendut &
agnes hys wyfe of that othyr party, at Godstowe, the sonne-day
in the whyche is songe ' letare lerusalem,' the yere of kynge 4
henry the sonne of kynge lohn xliij0, so, that is to say, that the
seyd E-aph hathe left & claymycf to be in rest for hym selfe, by
the consent & the assent of agnes hys wyfe & of hys heyrys, alt
the ryht & clayme that they haddyn or myht haue in the londe 8
that is callid Anfric, the whyche sumtyme was of si? Raph of
the checu?, uppon ryngeshuft l in the parisshe of litil Myssynden,
with aft hys pertinences, in medewys, pasturys & in wodys, with
out ony witA-holdynge a-geyne, that may longe to hem or to 12
he? heyrys in ony maner of wyse, to the seyd1 Abbas & couent
of Godstowe & to he? successours for euyr. For thys quiete-
claime & reles, the seyd abbas & holy mynchons of Godstowe
yafe to the seyde raph & agnes hys wyfe liij°. marke & made 16
katerine, the systw of the seyd agnes (wyfe of the seyd raph),
Mynchon in the monasteri of Godstowe with the costys of the
hows : & the same Raph, by the bettyr councett & prouidence
of discrete men, with-out tariinge or slewthynge, al so sone as 20
hyt myht lawfully be done, with the hows costys, he sholde
more-ouyr make hys wyfe to make the seyd londe to be charturcT
in the kyngys courte, out-take that the seyd raph shal fynde
hors & harnes to hym-selfe & to hys wyfe & to hem that were of 24
hys howshold1 al so longe as they laboryd1 a-bout the purchesynge
of the kyngys chartur; and the seyd holy my[^]chons of
Godstowe shold1 pay to the seyd raph & agnes hys wyfe
xxv. marke of the forseyd liij. marke in that day in the whyche 28
the fore-seyd1 katerine sholde be delyuercT to hem to be norysshyd1
& to be made mynchon in the same place & in the whyche the
1 This, by the map, ought to be Kyngeshuff.
Buckinghamshire: Little Missenden 79
seyd1 penyes shold1 be payd1; but wbenne the chartur in the instal-
kyngys court was leueyid1, in the place puruyid1 by the consent
of both partys, all the residewe of the forseyd summe of money stow, when
4 ouer xxv. marke vn-to liij. marke shold? be satisfyecT to the seyd enters *
raph & agnes hys wyfe by the seyd abbas & holy mynchons, in
the same day ])at the chartur was leueyid1, a-fore J or the chartur place to be
we? deliuyrcf [toj the seyd holy mynchons, vndur peyne of x. marke u^f, when
8 to be payd1 to raph & agnes hys wyfe to-gedur with the principal ^^n^i
dette that was not payd?. Also the seyde holy mynchons of Godstow
Godstowe grauntyd that they myht dystreyne thorowe londys
rentys & catelt where-so-euyr they weryn in the power of the ditions, by
12 kywge of almayne by the baillys to the forseyd couenaunt surely over lands
to be kept yf they may dystreyne lawfully. And yf hyt happun Bi^ard6 °
that the seyd1 raph doo gyl fully in ony man^r wyse a-geynyst earl of
the forseyd couenaunt, that he shold1 be constreynyoT to hold1 [King
1 6 couenaunt by lyke dystreynynge ; & yf hyt happun or case falle
that in no wyse the forseyd! couenaunt myht be stable and sure
by the seyd1 raph & agnes hys wyfe, the seyd raph sholcF paye chendut
- ageyne * xxv. marke, payd1 by fore hond1 to the same raph, to the ^hnse!? to
20 seycTholy mynchons with-iri iij. monethys next folowynge, & that 2 carry out
was iugyd1 by dyscrete men, with lyke peyne as hyt is a-fore ; & covenants.
then the seyd1 lond1 of anfric, with hys pertynences, sholde byde *leaf VIII
in the state in the whyche hyt was a-fore thys couenaunt, tille
24 the tyme that hyt we?0 iugyd1, a-fore the kynges iuge, who of
hem had more ryht to hyt (that is to sey, whether the abbas
of Godstowe & the couent, or the seyde raph & agnes hys wyfe),
but3 that pese we?e reformyd? with a bettur condicion by-twene
28 hem & strife I-cesid. And, yfe alt thyng^s as we? a-fore dyuisid?
myhtyn haue a goode eifecte & ende, aftur J>e chartur were
leueyid, the seyd1 raph shold1 make to the seyde holy mynchons Ralph
hys chartur of feffynge to hem & to he? successours of aft the aft®£ tjje'
32 forenamycT londe with hys pertynenc^s for hym-selfe & hys king's court
_. assented to
heyrys or hys assynys. And that alt these thyngys a-fore seyd1 the sale,
myhtyn a-byde ferme sure & stable, the seyd abbas & couent &
the seyd? raph of Chendut haue put to he? seelys, euyryche confirming
.36 a-geynyst othyr, to the wrytynge I-made like a chartur : & is Godstow.
with-out date.
1 i. e. or before. 2 i. e. whatever compensation-money was, &c.
3 but that = unless.
80
125|,
March 24.
Acknow-
ledgement
to Godstow,
by Ralph
Chendut,
of pay-
ment of
£16 133. 4&,
in part pay-
ment of
no. 76.
Buckinghamshire : Little Missenden
[77.] A quietans of Raph Chendut of xxv. marke made
to ye mynchons of Godstow.
THE sentence of thys quietans is, that Raph Chendut & agnes
hys wyfe (the dowhtur of syr raph of the checur) wyllydden to
be knowe that they receyuyd1 of the holy mynchons of Godstowe
xxv. marke of sterlyngys, of liij. marke in the whych the seyd
mynchons were I-bounde to pay to the forseyde Raph & agneys
for the peece & couenaunt I-made by-twene the? bothe pertyes
for the londe of anfric, as hyt is conteynyd in the chartur by-
twene bothe partyes forseyd1 I-made ; & that none askynge were
there-of afturwaroT of the seyd1 holy mynchons by the seyd1 raph
& agneys hys wyfe of the for seyd xxv. marke. I-gyfe at god-
stowe in the vigil of the annunciacion of ou?£ lady, the ye? of
kynge henry, the sone of kynge Jolin, xliij.
* leaf VII
or 19.
About
1259.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow by
Adam
Sperling,
as feudal
superior, of
a portion of
no. 76,
* leaf VII
or 19,
back.
subject to
a quit-rent
*leafVIU
or 20.
1286,
April.
12
[78.] * A quiet clayme by A. S. of o pece [of] londe to
ye A[bbess] of G[odstowe] in WLusaynden.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, that Adam Sperlinge of
kyngeshuft gmuntyd & claymyd [to be] in pees & rest, for
hym & hys heyrys, to the abbas of Godstowe & to the couent of
the same place & to her successours, j. pece of londe with hys 16
p^rtynens, the whyche raph of the checur sum tyme had of the
forseyde adam Sperlynge, the whyche pece of londe strecchyth
hyt self in lengthe nyhe the watur in the parysshe of lititt
Myssynden euyn streyht a-geynyst the Mylle, willinge the for- 20
eeyd pece of londe to be had & holde to the same * Abbas and
couent a-fore seyde & to he? successours, herytably, frely & in
rest, for hym & for hys heyrys for euyr, paynge yerly to hym &
to hys heyrys iij. d1, that is to say, at the fest of seynt Myhel 24
j. d1. ot)., & at the fest of ou? lady in Marche j. cT. oB., for al seruice &
demaundys ; &, that he he?-aftur ne none of hys heyrys miht
axe ony thynge of ryht or of clayme in the forseyd pece of lond1,
he set to hys seele to thys for-seyd chartur : & is wtA-out date. 28
[79.] * a final a-corde I-made in ]>e kynges court at
wycombe by-twene the Abbas of Godestowe & .
williawi hyebrynge for J>e lowde of anfric.
THE sentence of thys euydence is, that a final concorde was
Sale to
by°the°heirs made in lp* kynges cowrt at wycombe fro estur day in-to thre
Buckinghamshire : Little Missenden 81
wokys, the ye? of the reyne of kynge Edwarde, the sone of kynge of Kalph
henry, the xiiij, a-fore lohn of walys, William of Maham, Roger C Lut'
Loueday, lohn of Metyngham, & Nicholas le gras, Justices
4 iurnaynge, & othyr trewe men of the kyngys part there beynge
present, bytwene william of hye-brynge & katerine hys wyfe &
raph the sone of raph Chendut, asker, and Mabili wafre, Abbas
of Godstowe, tenent, by Edmunde of parke in he? place or styd
8 to gete or to lese, of on yerdlonde with hys pertynences in
kyngyshuft in the paryshe of litil Myssyndyn, where-of ' Assise [Assisa
[of] hys auncetwr dede' was take by-twene hem in the same court, ^t^essoria
that is to sey, the forseyde william & kateryne & raph know- ort of mort
12 lychycT, or made a recognicion, the foreseyd? mese & londe with ter.]
hys pertinences to be the ryht of the abbas & of the churche of of all claim
ou? lady seynt Marye & of seyrct lohn baptist of Godstowe, & m no* 76'
they haue relesyd1 & claymyd hyt to be in rest of hew & he?
1 6 heyrys raph & kateryne, to the fore seyd1 abbas, & to othyr ab-
basses the whych shuft succede to hyr, & to hyr forseyd1 churche
for euyr. And for thys reconysaunce, reles & quiete clayme. Purchase
fine & acorde, the same abbas gafe to the forseyd* williaw,
20 kateryne & raph x. marke of sterlingys.
[80.] A couenant I-made by-twene j>e Abbas of God- 1322,
stowe & 'Richard bacheler of ij. acris at anfric. Nov> *'
THE sentence of thys conuencion is, that a couenaunt was made Grant by
by-twene dame margery dyne, Abbas of Godstowe, & the couent to Richard
of the on part, & Richard1 bacheler of lytytt Missenden of that
24 othyr party, that is to sey, that the seyd1 abbas (dame * Margerie) *ieaf VIII
& the couent tokyn & leten to the forseyd1 Richard1 & Malde hys JJ^Jj^'
wyfe, for a suwime of Money the whyche the forseyd1 Richard1 &
Malde yaf to hem by-fore hondes, to acris of londe with the
28 pertinences in the parysshe of litul Missenden; & tho two acris of two acres
lien at anfric, in lengthe by-twene the lond1 of henry taylfer
vppou the northe part & the kyngys wey vppon the southe part,
& in brede by-twene the felde that is callid1 the stonyfeelde vppon
32 the west part and the kyngys wey vppon the est part, as the
markes & departyngys vppon euery syde techen & shewyn. Also
the seyde abbas & couent willicT to the for-seyd Richard1 & Maid1
the fore-seyd1 ij. acris of londe with he? pertinences, to haue &
Q
82
* leaf 153.
About
1108.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Emma
Bray,
age, lands,
and pas-v
tare-right
for 40 pigs.
About
1198.
Duplicate,
but in
slightly
Buckinghamshire : Oclee
holde hem vn-to f>e ende of her1 liuys, frely in rest, weft &
pesybly, of the chefe lordys of the fee by the seruice dewe &
vsyd? ther-of: and the forseyd1 Dame Margery & the couent
warentyd1 the fore-seyd ij. acris of londe vfith the pertinences to 4
the for-seyd1 Richard1 & Maid1 vn-to he? liuys ende a-geynst alt
pepuft. In-to wytnes ther'-of they put to here seelys to the
wrytynge therof endentyd1, euerych a-geynyst othyr. I-geyf at
Godstowe in the fest of all haloun the yere of kynge Edwarde 8
the sone of kynge Edward1 xvj.
[OAKLEY in Boarstall Parish.]
[81.] * A Charter of Emme Bray, I-made to the myn-
chons of Godestowe, for half a mese in Oclee, j acre,
j Crofte, j yerde lond1, that is to sey, xij. acris vpon
Innesdon) and the other parte of bonde lond1, with all
ther pertynentis, and xl. hogges in his * wode quyte
fro pannage.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Emme Bray grauntecT&
cetera, to god & cetera and to the mynchons of Godestow ther
seruyng1 god, for the heltfi of the soules of her fadir and modir 1 2
and of her children) and of aft her benefetowrs and for the helth
of her sowle, half a mese that was of Jolin Maunseft, and j acre,
a crofte, a yerde lond?, that is to sey, xij. acris vpon Innesdon)
and the other perte of bonde lond?, with aft ther pertynentis and 16
fre customes, in wode and playne, in mede and pasture, in weyes
and pathis, and xl. hoggis in his * wode quyte of pannage, into
pure fre and perpetuel almesse, and quyte fro aft seculer seruyce
and aft exaccion) that longith to hym1, Savyng^he kyngis seruyce : 20
To be hold1 of her and her heires for ever. These beyng1 wit-
nesse, & cetera.
[82.] A Charter of Emme Bray, I-made to the myn-
chons of Godestow, for j yerde lond1 in Borestatt,
with j mese, and j acre lond1 to the Crofte of that
hyde that longith to Oclee, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Emme Bray graunted)
& cetera, to god & cetera and to the mynchons of Godestowe ther 24
1 i. e. her.
Buckinghamshire: Torueston 83
seruyng1 god, for the heltli of the sowles of her fadir and modir different
and children and of aft her benefetcwrs and for the heltt of her JoTs? °f
soule, j yerd1 of lond1 in Bor staff, with a mese, and j acre lond?
4 to the crofte of that hyde that longitfi to Aclee, with alt his
pertynentis and fre customes, in wode and playne, and mede and
pasture, and weyes and pathes, and xl.hogges in her wode quyte
fro pannage, into perpetuel almesse, and quyte fro aft seculer
8 seruyce and aft exaccion) that longed1 to her, Savyng1 the kyngis
seruyce : To be hold1 of her and of her heires for euer. These
beyngi witnesse, & cetera.
[83.] A Couenaunt I-made bitwene the Abbey of Tame A..D. 1198,
and the abbey of Godestowe for j yerd? lond1 in
Oclee to be hold1 of theym).
* THE sentence of this writyng1 is that there was a couenaunte * leaf 153>
12 I-made the ix. yere of kyng1 Richard1, bitwene the abbey of Tame, Grant by
and the Abbey of Godestowe, fat the abbey of Godestowe, with ?£^w'to
the assent of Emme Bray, toke, and in writyng1 confermed1, to Abbey,
the abbey of Tame, j yerde on lond? in Oclee, fynally to be hold? of *he land
1 6 of them, with aft his pertynentis and his fre customs, in wode
and playne, mede and pasture, in weyes and pathis, fre and quyte.
fro aft seculer seruyce that longed? to them, Savyng1 foreyn)
seruyce, for viij. shillings yerely at ij. t0rm.es, that is to sey, ataquit-
20 half at Ester and half at myghelmasse. And this is the yerde
lond1 the which the forsaid1 Emme Bray yaf to the mynchons
of Godestowe in Oclee and confermed1 hit with her charter, reserving
And she graunted?to the same mynchons of Godestowe xl. hoggis thepasture-
24 in her wode euery yere, quyte fro pannage to her yerd1 lond1.
These beyng1 witnesse, & cetera.
[TURWESTON.]
[84.] *A Charter of Raaf Stonylle, I-made to the *ieafiee
mynchons of Godestowe for half a marke of siluer 1230?
of the mylle of Torueston, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is that Baaf Stonylle * yaf, & Grant to
cetera, to god & cetera and to the mynchons of Godestowe ther
28 seruyng1 god1, into pure and perpetuel almesse, for his helth and Scovilla>
1 Head « Scoujlle.' Eadulfus de Scovilla of Turweston made gifts to Einsham and
Oseney.
G 2
84
[burial at
Godstow]
of a rent-
charge of
6s. 8<Z., issu-
ing out ot
the mill.
Buckinghamshire : Torueston
for the helthe of laurence his wyf and for the sowles of his
auncetottrs and for the helthe of his successours, with his body
and the body of the forsaicT laurence his wyf, half a marke of
sillier yerely 1 of the rente of his mylle of Torueston), into whos- 4
euer hande the forsaid1 mylle were to be take, at ij. termes of the
yere, that is to sey, atte fest of seynt Petir that is I-callecP
Ad uincula, xl. d1; and -atte fest of our lady in marche, other
xl. d1. And J?at £>is, & cetera. 8
1308,
May 10.
Agreement
by Godstow
to excuse
arrears of
the rent-
charge
(no. 84), due
8 Sept.
on condi-
tion of the
tenant re-
building
the mill.
[85.] A Charter of Moolde vptori), abbesse of Godestowe,
pardonyng1 to Emme that was somtyme the wyf of
william of mylles of ToruestoiD att the arreragis of
theire Rente, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Moolde vpton), Abbesse
of Godestowe, and the Couente of the same place, remytted1 and
pardoned1 to Emme, that was the wyf of William of the mylles
of Torueston), aH the arreragis of theire rente the which they 12
were behynde before, vnto the fest of the Natiuite of our lady
the first yere of the reigne of kyng^ Edward the sone of kynge
Edwarde ; So that the forsaid? Emme and her heires sholcT make
and bilde agayne the forsaid1 mylle, with theire owne costis, afore 16
the fest aforsaid1, And pay afterward? euery yere the forsaid1
rente, that is to sey, vj. shillings viij. cT. to them in wonyd1
termes, truly without gyle : or els this present writyng1 sholcf be
had1 for nought. Into witnesse, & cetera. The date at Godestowe, 20
the x. day of may, in the yere abouesaide.
* leaf 151.
About
1220.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Ralph
Harange,
[WESTBUEY (near Brackley).]
[86.] *A Charter of Baaf Harange, I-made to the
mynchons of Godestowe, for j oke and a cartlode of
roddys in his wode of westbury.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Raaf harange yaf &
cetera, to god & cetera and to the holy mynchons of Godestow
ther seruyng1 god1, in-to pure and1 perpetuel almesse, for the helth
1 The rent-charge is mentioned in the 1291 Taxatio Ecclesiastica of pope Nicholas
IV, in Buckingham deanery.
Buckinghamshire : Westbury 85
of hym his wyf and his children, and for his fadirs and modirs
sowles and aunceturs soules, j oke and j cartlode of roddis in of wood-
his wode of westbury, yerely to be take at these tmnes, that is rights<
4 to sey, in march a cartlode of roddes, and at whitsontyde an
oke l. And he and his heires warantrjecT for euer that same
almesse to the forsaid1 holy mynchons, & cetera.
[WYCOMBE.]
[i. Documents relating to the rectory.]
[NOTE. — At the dissolution, 1540, the rectory was valued (Monast. iv. 374) at £16,
and Godstow paid out yearly 75. Sd. for procurations and synodals, and i6s. Sd. to
the poor at Christmas and Easter.]
[87. * Charter of King Henry. * Exchequer
MS. leaf 152,
HENKY, king of England, lets French and English know ^bJut 1175
8 that he has given to Godstow the church of Wycombe. Grant to God-
Witnesses :-G[eoffrey Ridel] bishop of Ely [1174-89],
John [of Oxford] bishop of Norwich [1175—1200], Richard tory'
of Lucy, William of Boketot, etc.]
[88. * Charter of the church of Wicumbe. * Exchequer
MS. leaf 153.
1 2 RJCHAKD, ' minister ' of the church of Canterbury and pri- About 1175.
mate of England and legate, confirmed to Godstow the church
of Wycombe of the institution of G[eoffrey Plantagenet]
bishop elect [ 1 17 3] and the presentation of the king of England, terbuiy (1174-
16 Witnesses :— Walter Baioc2, archdeacon; Mr, P. Blesen- ^f the rec-
sis 3 ; William of Norhall ; Mr. Robert of Inglesham.]
[89. * Collation of Wycombe Church 'by W, bishop * Exchequer
* MS. leaf 153.
of Lincoln. A.D. ii84.
P. surrendered the church of Wycombe, which he had of Collation of
the gift of the king of England. The bishop [Walter de Godstowjby0
20 Constantiis, 1 183-4] gave the church to Godstow. the diocesan-
Witnesses : — Robert [de Burnham], archdeacon of Buck-
ingham ; Osebert of the chamber of the king.]
1 Perhaps in view of repairs to Godstow 2 i. e. of Bayeux.
houses in Brackley. The feudal superior 3 Peter of Blois, cancellarius to the
generally provided the timber for repairs primate (1173).
of the housing of copyholds.
86
* Exchequer
MS. leaf 152,
back.
About 1200.
Confirmation
* leaf 153.
toGrodstow, by
William of
Boketot(ofthe
rectory ?).
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
[90. * Charter of William of Boketot.
WILLIAM of Boketot confirmed to Godstow king Henry's
gift of Wicumbe *as they held it in the time of king Henry
and John, count of Moretam.
Witnesses : — Michael de Bosco, Robert Pemart, Ralph of 4
Peletot.]
* Bawl.
MS. leaf
183.
1331,
Nov. 27.
Lease by
G-odstow,
to John
Coleman
(of GOatton,
Hunting-
don) and
Robert atte
Walle (of
Maxey,
Northamp-
tonshire),
* leaf 183,
back.
"Transla-
tion of
Thomas
Becket =
July 7.]
for ten
years, of
the rectory
of Wy-
combe and
its profits,
reserving
to Godstow
the tithe of
flax and
hemp.
[War risks
excepted.]
[91.] *A Couenaunte I-made, bytwene the Abbesse of
Godestowe, and sire loiln Colemafi), person) of
Glatton, and sir "Robert at the walle, perpetual!
vicary of Makesey, for the personage of wycombe to
ferme I-sette for x. yere, & cetera.
THE sentence of this covenaunte is this, that the xxvij. day
of Nouembre, the fyfte yere of the reigne of kyng1 Edward1 the
thirde, hit was accorded1 bitwene the abbesse of Godestowe and 8
the Covente of the same place of the one partie, and sir lohn
Coleman), person) of the chirche of Glatton), and sir Robert atte
walle of Newenden), perpetuett vicary of Makesey, ioyntly and
departyngly of the other parte So that the one shold1 not better 12
than the other, that is to sey, *that the forsaid1 Abbesse and
Couente toke, grauntecT, and lette to ferme, to the said1 sers lohn
and Robert and to her executours, fro the day of the transulacion)
of seynt Thomas the martir next after the day of the makyng- of 16
this present writyng1 vnto the ende of x. yere fully complete
next folowyng1, [the1 manor of the rectory of Wycumbe] with
all cornys, heyes, wolles, and lambis, rentis, londis, and customs,
and with all and evericft profitis and tythis, the forsaid1 terme 20
duryftg1, fallyng1 chaunsyng1 or longyng1 to the said1 Rectorie or
parsonage in ony wise, out-take 2 all lynnen and hemp comyng1
to the said1 chirche, the whiche were reserved1 to the Covent of
Godestowe. To the which covenaunte truly to be hold1, the 24
forsaid1 abbesse and Couente bounde them self and ther goodes
in J>ere manors, wherso-ever they were I-founde, to distreynyng1
of all Ipe forsaid1 of the chirche or of the seculere parte. And
for the said1 ferme the forsaid1 lolin and Robert, pease I-supposeoT 28
1 Accidentally omitted in the English. Wycumbe.'
The Latin is : ' manerium rectorie de 2 Latin : * exceptis linis et cambris.'
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe 87
and had1 of that countre l, sholcT susteyne and leve that manere The lessees
aforsaid1 in al so good1 state or better than they resceivecT hit.
And they shold1 repaire sufficiantly the chaunceft of the said1 ma;n°rial
4 chirche in aft coueryng1 to aft that terme aforsaid; aft casis of (6) the
fortune out-take the whicfi shold1 not be put to them nother to
ther executours, to the whicn the said1 lolin and Robert bounde (inordinary
not them-self. And the saioT Abbesse and Couente shold1 fynde Godst'ow
8 grete tymbre to aft the workes in the said? manere, whan that
hit were nede to be amended1 and I-covereoT. Yeldyng1 therof Kent =£20
yerely, duryng1 the terme aforsaid1, to the seid1 abbesse and besides
Couente of Godestowe xx. li. of good1 and lawfuft money in the £ayi*Jg to
12 termes vndir-writte, That is to sey, in the fest o£ the Annun- £8 yearly
ciacion) of oure lady, x. K, and in the fest of Seynt Margarete,
x. li ; And to the Priour of Beke Harlewyne, viij. li., that is to
sey, iiij. li. in the fest of Seynt Migheft and iiij. li. in the fest Leet, and
1 6 of f>e Annunciacion) of oure lady; Also they shold1 paye to the yea^fy(jue
Courte of wallyngford1, half a marke by yere ; and to sire lohn Lessees to
Cromwelle, xij. d1; And to the Burgeys of wy combe, rente dewe chaplain81
to them; And to the Archidekon) of Bokyngham, procuracy.
20 And the forsaicT lohn and Robert [should find] one chapeleyne, chantry
with ther owne costis, dayly syngyng1 in the chirche of wycombe
at aft the terme aforsaicT. And the saide lohn and Robert shold1 Godstow
pay euery yere, duryng1 the forsaid1 tmne, iiij. marfc to the pittance on
24 abbesse and Couente of Godestowe the which were specially ov* If
assigned1, that is to sey, to pay at the fest of aft seyntis ; And
iiij. * ehilly ngworth of Cakys2 specially I-assigned1 to the forsaid1 * leaf 184.
abbesse and Covente, That is to sey, To be paid1 at the fest of
28 seynt lame3. And that the Abbesse in her every comyng1 shold1 cakes on
haue easementis of houses in the same maner aforsaid1. And the <jay ;
said1 lohn and Robert, the terme aforsaid1 ended1, shold1, as good1 *° sive the
husbondis, shold1 so we the londis of the said1 maner to be so we, houseroom
32 and delyuere them so I-sowe into the handes of the said1 Abbesse
and Couent : And 4 they sowed1 lesse of a quarter the yere last of Tillage con-
the terme aforsaid1 than in the yere of this makyngiwere I-sowe,
they shold1 to the said1 abbesse and Couente satisfye of the
1 Latin: 'supposita pace illius patrie,' a Latin: 'quattuorsolidatasartocoporum.
i. e. district. In manorial deeds ' patria ' 3 St. James = July 25.
is used generally to express the township, 4 'and' = if.
or district, belonging to the manor.
88 Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
Still those residue of the sede. And the said1 lotm and Robert sholcT make
to cary the said1 Calds vnto Godestowe vrith there owne costis.
tion of And yf hit happened? the said1 lohn and Robert to hold1 stille the
dStrain for said1 payment, in parte or in aft, as hit is aforsaicT, over a monetft 4
rent* after certeyne termes aboue I-writte, or faile in the paiyng1, hit
sholcT be lawfuft to the said1 abbesse and Couente to the said1
maner of the parsonage to entir in, and to mynystre the goodes
ther I-founde, wttA-holde, and selle as they semed1 best, tille 8
they were fully I-satisfyecT of the forsaid1 payment, with the
mysis and expensis I-had by the defaute of the said1 loftn and
Robert or of ther executours. To the whicn payment and
couenaunte to be keped1 truly in aH these articles, the forsaid1 12
lohn and Robert bounde them-self and euerych of them in the
hole and theire executours and alt ther goodes mevable and
vnmeuable, londes and tenements, where-so-ever they were
I-founde, bothe in the same manere or elles- where, to the 16
distreynyng1 and cohercion) of the seid1 Abbesse and Couente,
and of aft luges bothe seculer and of the chircft. And the
terme of x. yere I-ended1, the forsaid1 maner of the parsonage of
wycombe to turne agayne to the forsaid1 abbesse and Couente 20
fully. Into witnesse, & cetera. The date at Godestowe, the day
and the yere abouesaid1.
• [2. Documents relating to tithe in Wycombe.]
* leaf 177. [92.1 * A sentence for the tythes of "Wycombe.
A.D. 1235.
Comrnis- THE sentence of this sentence is, that the Priour1 of Seynt
by pope*6 FrideswttA of Oxenford1 and the deene 2 of yifteley toke the popes 24
Gregory ix maundeinent in these wordes : —
(1227—41),
Gregory, bisshop, seruant of the seru antes of god1, Sende
willyng1 heltli and his blissyng1 to his welbeloueoT children), Priour
to invest!- of seynt Frideswitft and of yifteley deene. The abbesse of 28
Saim of Godestowe and the Couente of the same place shewed1 to hym
for^tithls that Abbottis of Beke and of Eynysham and some other of
said to be lyncolne wynchestir and worcestir diocises wronged1 hem vpon
3ld' tithis and other thynges. Therfor he comaundecl? by his 32
1 Helias, prior 1228-35. 2 Kural dean of Iffley.
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe 89
writyngis to ther discreciofi), that, the parties I-callecT, they [Formula
shold1 here the cause, and appele I-put a-side, they sholcP terme commas-*
hit with a dew ende, makyng1 that that they decreicT surely to Slon>]
4 be kepicT by the censure of the chirche ; and the witnesses that
were I-called1, yf they wztA-drewe them-self for fauour, haterede,
or drede, they sholcf constreyne them by the same censure,
appele cesyng1, to here witnesse to the trouthe. And yf ye may
8 not aft be at these thyngis to be executed1, tweyn) of yow
nathelesse shold? execute hit. The date at Anager, kalendis of = 1234.
Octobre, the vij. yere of his bisshoprich.
By the auctorite of this maundement ther-fore, they called1
12 * before them the lordis and possessioners and tenauntis of the * leaf 177,
mylles in the parissh of wycombe afore them peremptorie, |^^ow
the which I-sette afore them, the abbesse and Couente of as rector of
Godestow, comperyngi by sir Gilbert Vyam, ther procurator?
16 I-ordeynecT to aft the cause, Ipere content I-purposed? afore ayenst
the forsaicF, [the] abbesse and covente of Godestowe axecFvndir this Wycombe,
forme, in the maner of ther chirche of wycombe, the tithes of
the mylles in ther parissh of the chirch of wycombe, that is to
20 sey, of "William Heryne, of his two mylles the whiche ben)
I-called1 Burne mylles ; of Alice Anguot and her partyners, of viz. Burne
the mylle that is I-called1 Bruge mylle ; of Richard? of Croyedene, j^^J^u
of the mylle that is I-called? pannmylle ; of Henry Chesemonger Pann mill,
24 and his partyners, of ij. mylles that ben I-called1 Robynmylle ; Robyn
of William, of his mylles that ben I-called1 Gyuant; of John
ludewater, of his mylle ; of Martyne Fuller fulerant ; and they mill,
axed1 of aft the forsaicT, tythes of the forsaid? mylles, for they Water'sU
28 longe to them of the comofi) law, for they ben I-sette with-in
the fulling
the lymytes of ther parissh of wycombe, and they entende the mill.
axyng1 of the fyng1. The entente I-pwrposed1, they graunted1 the On the
said1 tythes to be sette with-in the lymytes of ther parissn of
32 wycombe. Wherfor the luges, heryng1 the knowlech aforsaid1, th.at their
lugged? diffynytifly to the said1 mynchons, in the name of ther were in
chircli of wycombe, the said? tythes of mylles for ever*, as I-sette
with-in the lymytes of the parissh of wycombe, Comaundyng1 to judgement
36 the deene of Merlawe that he sholcT brynge into the possession) for God-n
of the tythes of the said1 mylles the said1 mynchons, and that he stow*
shold? acurse solempnely the agayfD-sayers and troublers of the of Great
seid1 possession), reseruyng1 to them-self power furthermore, whan Marlow-l
90 Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
they sey hit to be expedient. And into perpetuel witnesse of
the. same tliynge, they putte to this writyng1 theire scales, &
cetera.
* leaf 171. [93.] *A Charter of Ranulph general! procurature of
tne Abbot of Beke grauntyng1 to the mynchons of
Godestowe att the tythes in Wycombe parisshe, &
cetera.
THE sentence of this composiciofi) is that BanulpTi, procura- 4
toure of thabhot and Couente of Beke, havyng* general! and fre
admynstracion) of all theire goodes in EngloncT, willed? to be
know that, by the auctorite of the forsaid? Abbot and Couente
the whiche he had1 in this parte, to have graunted1, to the chirche 8
of seynt loTm Baptist of Godestowe and to the mynchons there
servyng god, aft theire tythes that they had1 in Wycombe of the
yifte of Milo Crispyne, that is to sey, aft the tythes of the
demayne of the same towne (excepte thritty acris the which 12
longitli to the chirche of Wycombe), and xviij. shillings that
fei were I-wonyd1 to take at the chekour at londorD of the rente
of Wycombe : To be hold1 to perpetuelt ferme, of the forsaid1
Abbot and Couente of Beke, vndir a pension) of iij. H. at ij. 16
termes, that is to sey, in the fest of seynt Mighett xxx. shillings,
and in the fest of cure lady in marche xxx. shillings, And that
this graunte, & cetera.
[NOTE. — Comparison with the Latin (Exchequer MS. leaf 154, back) shows that
the translation is inexact. The tithes in Wycoinbe given to Bee by Milo Crispin
were ' of his demesne in Wycombe, except the tithe of the thirtieth acre which
should go to the church of Wycombe.' The witnesses are : — Hugh, abbot of
Abingdon (died 1221), John of St. Elen, Kobert of Seuecurd ( = Seukeworth). In
the Exchequer MS., leaf 192, are some excerpts from the Great Roll of 6 Henry II
(1160), in Buckinghamshire, showing that the chamberlain received £72 of the
' firma ' of Wycombe with tithes, and that he paid out i8s. to the monastery of Bee,
and 135. 40?. to the church of the town.]
Lease to
ty ^Beo-W'
Heriouin
mandy,
of the tithe
Crispin's
and of a
chequer:
rent £3
year y.
* Exche-
iqeafri54S'
Decision by
a papal
in a suit
[94. * Suit between Bee abbey and G-odstow about
tithes in Wycombe.
THE prior and precentor of Dunstaple and the sacrist (as 20
sub-delegate of the prior) of Caldewell, acting on a commission,
dated v kal. Maii, 7th year of his pontificate ( =1234, April
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe 91
27), of pope Gregory IX, issued to the prior and precentor of about tithe
Dunstable and the prior of Caldewell to examine the complaint
of Bee abbey that the abbeys of Abingdon and Tewkesbury and
4 others were withholding tithe from them, gave this decision
between Bee and Godstow. Of the demesnes of Gplbert]
Basset and R. de Velpont l, Bee shall take all tithes of the ancient Bee abbey
demesne, saving to the mother church wholly the thirtieth acre,
8 as they were accustomed to take of old ; but of the assarts and
of all land hereafter assarted, Bee shall take two-thirds, reserving
the other third to the mother church. Of all other tithes God- and God-
stow shall take two thirds, reserving the other third to the s ow'
12 parish church. Bee abbey agrees not to ask from Godstow costs
of the suit.]
[95. * Of tithes in Wycumbe parish. * Exche-
quer MS.
FEIAB WILLIAM of Ginewill, proctor of Bee Abbey, granted leaf 154.
Godstow a lease, beginning Peter and Paul (June 29), 1254, of '
1 6 all the tithes, more or less, which Bee had in Wycombe, together Perpetual
with a rent-charge of i8s. issuing from the Exchequer, on con- G0dstow,
dition that Godstow should pay yearly * at Ockeburn major 2 b£,Bec
HDD6y?
twelve marcs of silver to the proctor of Bee, viz. six marcs at of Bee
20 Michaelmas and six at Lady day, and incur a penalty of one marc *lfeaf 1*54
(135. 4d.) for each week the rent should be in arrear. Dated back.
the vigil of Philip and James, 1254.] fo/lfiTa 6
year.
[96.] * A Covenaunte or a Composiciori) bitwene the * Bawl.
Abbot of Becke and the Abbesse of Godestowe for ™^' leaf
the tythes more and lesse that the Abbot of Becke 1254.
hadde in Wycombe parisshe, & cetera.
THE sentence of this composicion is, that Robert, by the grace Confirma-
24 of god1 abbot of Becke, and the couent of the same place, willed1
to be knowe that they wold? haue the composicion) I-be-gonne by Bec
bitwene Frer^ William Emnenylle 3 the general! procuratoure in the lease
Englond1, of the one partie, and the religious women abbesse and
28 mynchons of Godestow of the other partie, I-ratifiecT and sure, their
vpon the tythes both more and lesse that they had1 in Wycombe,
1 i. e. Robert de Vipont. 3 « William of Guyneuill ' in the Ex-
2 i.e. Ogbourne in Wiltshire, where chequer MS. (leaf 153, back).
Bec had a cell.
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
-wiih xviij. shillings they were I-wonyd1 to take in the name of
the tythe of the kyngis Eschekor, the which the saide procura-
tour toke to the forsaid1 mynchons to perpetuel ferme, for xij.
marke of good1 and lawful} sterlyngis, to be paid? wele and holy 4
every yere of the said1 mynchons, to ther procuratour« that shold1
be for the tyme, or to his seruant, at Okebourne the more, for
ever at ij. termes of the yere, that is to sey, in the fest of seynt
Migheft vj. marke, and in the fest of the Annimciacion) of our 8
lady vj. mark : So that yf the said1 mynchons faile in the paiyng1
of the said1 ferme in ony of the termes aforsaid1, in alle or in
parte, for every woke in the whiche they ceased1 they shold1 pay
to ther procuratoure j marke in the
[Leaf1 missing.]
1 2
* Exche-
qtier MS.
1357,
Sept. 23.
[97. * Grant by Edward III to Bee Herlewyne in
L
Normandy.
Licence to EDWAKD III, Sept. 23 of his 31 year of reign in England
an(* l8 °^ France, recites that he had seized into his own hands
the £8 which Bee had in Wycombe. He now gave Bee leave
to convey the rent-charge to John of Talworth.] 16
to sell the
(no. 95).arge
* Bawl.
leaf
1357.
Assign-
John of
Talworth,
abbey, of
charge1*"
(no. 95) pay-
Godstow.
[98.] * A Charter of a yifte I-made to lohn Takworthe
of Wycombe for viij. ii.
To 2 the honourable lady of holy religion) the Abbesse of Gode-
stowe, Frere Piers, priour of seynt Steven) of Okebourne, heltn :
he signyfied1 that his hye Abbot of Beke, by the kyngis leve of
Inglond1, had1 yeve and grauntecT for alt day to lohn Talworthe 20
°^ wvcomke a^ the rente of viij. li. the which ye were I-wonyd1
to paye to 3 yowre chirche of wycombe : wherfor he willed1 the
said1 rente to turne and to be paid1 to hym, after the shewyng1 of
the patente that the kyng1 seride yow by the said1 lolin. Futt 24
worshipful! lady the holy gost have yow in warde or kepyngi
By the Prioure of Okeburne.
1 No doubt contained the two preceding
documents, nos. 94 and 95.
2 This document in the Exchequer MS.
(leaf 1 54, back) is in French : the name is
Peris of Seynt Stevene, prior of Okebourn.
3 Bead « for.'
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe 93
[3. St. John Baptist Hospital.]
[99.] *A Charter of the Abbesse of Godestowe, * leaf 171.
yevyng- licence to the maister of the hospital! of 1239' Nov' I3'
seynt lohn to sey masse in a Chauntry of hym,
fyfe tymes in the yere.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Robert, by the grace Grant to St.
of god, bisshop of lyncolne, toke the popes lettres in these Hospital,
WOrdes : Wycombe,
4 Gregory, bisshop, seruant to the seruantis of god, sende to
his welbelovect1 brother bisshop of lyncolne halsyng1 and his by Robert
blissyng1; willynghymto know that his welbeloved1 children, bishop of'
maister and brethern) of the hospitaft of seynt Icihn Baptist Lmcoln»
8 of Wycombe, made a supplicacion) mekely to hym that, for acting on in-
also-mocn as they had* a chapeft I-made in theire house, from pope
I wolde fouchesauf to yeve them licence to haue ther owne Gre&ory IX>
* Chapelayne in the same ; he willyng1 in his behalf to deferre * leaf 171,
12 hit to hym fat was bisshop of the place, therfor he, that
is to sey, he comaunded1 to his brotherhede that he wold1
yeve to them licence I-axed1, yf he say hit to be goode witti-
oute praudice of others right. The date at Peruse, the xiij. [Perugia, Dec.
1 6 kalende of lenyvere, of his bisshophode the viij. yere. and with
Therfore by the auctorite of these lettres, of the consente consent of
of the Abbesse and Couente of Godestowe, and of hubert the Of services in
vycarye of the chircli of Wycombe, and also of the maister *£* H<^itrff
20 and brethern) of the hospitaft a-forsaid1, they graunted? the on these
chauntry in the forsaid1 chapeft vndir the fourme vndir (0) High mass
I-writte: that is to sey, that masse ahold1 be solempnely ^ly on fivelet
I-songe aft-only in the same chapeft fyfe dayes, that is to days in the
24 sey, in bothe dayes of seynt lolin Baptist, j masse ; and in On which five
bothe festis of seynt Thomas the martir, j masse; And in
the third1 Feria of Rogacions, j masse : Also, in the same v. offerings and
dayes, the chapeft shall loye aft offeryngis there I-do, and to the public,
28 to aft comers, to bothe parisshens and straungers visityng1 that *n ^^* YiTa
place, shold? be fre sittywg1 : And hit shaft be ronge aft-only set day shall
in the same dayes to goddis service : And yf ony of the said1 day, the parish
festis falle on the sonday, First shaft the masse [be i-songe] £5^ service
32 in a competent howre in the parissTi chirche, lest hit be precedence.]
94
(&) Low mass
inmates only,
summons, the
church.
(c) The chap-
lain may ad-
penance to dy-
(df ThTchap-
lain may take
parishioner
year or by
month, with-
out the vicar's
(ef The cha -
lain to take
oath to observe
theseterms,
missed ^f he8"
neglect them,
oath to observe
these terms.
* leaf 172.
to) These pro-
visions being
concessions to
other^eculars
ministering
there must, as
other parish-
church on four
set days, with
due offerings,
offilialre^ect
the chapel is to
mother-church
yearly two
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
defrauded1 in takyng1 of tythes. And alt other every dayes
nit ^olft be lawful to syng j masse with a lowe voyce,
an(j ^fa_ belle suspended?, and the parisshens of Wycombe
I-excludecT. And the chapeleyne that shold? mynystre for 4
the ty™ in the said? chap eft shold1 take all1 the offeryngis
(ouftl-take tho that comyn) .in the forsaid? fyfe days), he
\ 7 ^ , , . . , , , , . , . ,
sholcT yelde them trewly to the modir chirche without
k^y11^ and tnat De sno1^ not do no sacrament but syng- 8
yngi of masses, as hit is aforsaid1, in that chapelle, but in
case a ne^e n^e) or axicT hit, that the said1 prest mynystred1
$iQ sacramentis of confession) and penaunce to sike folke
of the said? hospitall labouryngun theire last; other annueft, 12
°^er trentalt, shold1 take of the parisshens of the modir
chirche, but of licence and wille of the said1 vicary. Also
the same chapeleyne in his entryng^ shold? be presented? to
^e ArchidekofD of the place, and shold1 make to hym 16
reguler obedience of the indempnyte of the modir chirche,
, .
vndir the puttyng1 away tor ever and suspeiicioiD vnto
^ew satisfaccion) ; and shold? make a suerte by othe, afore
the abbesse proctourd, of the same. And 2 yf he were con- 20
yicte afore the Archidekon vpon ony of the forsaid? ]>ynges
not I-keped1 by hym. The maister also that shold1 be for the
J J
tyme shold1 swere in his entryng1, towchyng1 holy thyngis, that
fa Bfai$ ^e tne * mo^ir chirche thurgh all thyngis harme- 24
lesse, after the fowrme aboue I-writte. And, for al so moche
that that is I-graunted? for the nede of sike men for good?
deuociofD, hit shold? not turne to other mennes wronge,
^ °
All the seculer men in the same howse mynystryng^ shold? 28
come to the modir chirche as other parisshyns, witti dew
0fferynmS and I-wonvd?. iiii. sithis in the vere, that is to
J *
sey, Cristmasse day, Candelmasse day, Estir day, and the
day of the pryncipall fest of the chirche. And that wor- 32
shippe myght encrease to the abouesaid1 modir chirche by
this graunte, the said'chapett shold? yeve to the said1 chirche
Qf jj§ J^ Qf wexe in ^e Jay Qf ^e pryncipall fest
part of the clause ' under pain of perpetual
removal, and suspension until full satisfac-
tion be made, if he shall have been con-
victed before the archdeacon of any of the
foresaid things by him not observed.'
1 The Latin is : ' omnes oblaciones (ex-
ceptis hiis que in quinque diebus pretactis
pervenerint) provenientes sine diminutione
matri ecclesie fideliter refundet.*
3 The translator has dropped the first
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe 95
every yere. And [yf] the maist^r of the house, by hym-self wax-candles
or by ony other, presumed1 to gete ony thyng" ayenst this "
composiciofD or defiled1 the forme of the composicion) in ony (*') Tlie chapel
t . , may be inter-
4 parte, when he were convicte or knowleched? hit resonably, dieted from
hit shold1 be lawfutt to the ArchidekoiD of Bokyngham to
suspende the said1 chapelle fro the syngyng1 of divyne seruyce be violated.
tille hit were competently I-satisfyed1 therof to the said?
8 modir chirche, as hit is I-prouided. Into witnesse and
strengthe of att thyngis he made his seale, with thabbesse
and Couente sealis of Godestowe, and of the vicary afor-
said1, and also of the said1 brethern), to be putte to this
12 writyng1, the date at Missenden), the Ides of Nouembre, the
.iiij. yere of his bisshopricke.
[4. Foundation of Walder chantry.]
[100.] * A Confirmacion of William Walder confermyng1 * leaf 174.
the yifte that Adam Walder his brother made to the
mynchons of Godestow for a tenemente in Frogmore,
& cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is that William Walder graunted1 Confirma-
and1 confermed1, for hym and his heires, the yifte that Adam
1 6 Walder his brother made to the Abbesse and Couente of Gode- ,
stowe of a tenement that Walder his fadir helde in Frogmore his brother
and of a tenement that Gerueyse lutered? helde l. And William ^t^'^ne-
Walder and his heires waranti^ed1 the forsaid1 tenement, with att ments.
20 the pertynentis, to the forsaid? Abbesse and Couente of Gode-
stowe ayenst att men and women for ever. And that this his
graunte, & cetera.
[101.] * A Charter of Adam Waldere, I-made to the myn- * ieaf 172.
chons of Godestow, for a house in Wycombe, a ^o?
tenement, and vj. mesis and ij. seldis, and the
rente of xx. shillings yerely, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Adam fit} Waldere of Founda-
24 Wycombe graunted1, lete, delyuerecT, and quyte-claymed1, for hym Adamfson
and his heires for ever, to god & cetera and to the holy myn- of Walder,
1 See in next deed.
96
of a chantry
in Wy-
combe
church,
under pat-
ronage of
Grodstow,
to say mass
for the
founder,
his father,
mother,
and wife.
He gave, as
endowment
(a) a house ;
(&) a tene-
ment;
(c) six mes-
[Temple
= Knights
Templars.]
* leaf 172,
back.
(d) two
booths in
Wycombe
market ;
(e) eleven
rent-
charges.
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
chons of Godestowe ther seruyng* god, into pure and perpetueft
almesse, for the sowles of Walder his Fadir and of Aline his
wyf, and for the helthe of his owne sowle and of Anneys his
wyf, and commonly for aft trew cristen), quyk and decle, j 4
house in the which waldere his fadir somtyme dwelled? in
Wycombe, with the pertynentis, savyng1 the services of the chief
lordes, that is to sey, ij. shillings by yere ; and a tenement that
Geruaise lutered1 somtyme held1, with the pertynentis, sauyng1 8
the service of the chief lordes, that is to sey, ij. shillings by yere
and j d? to the heires of the same Gerueise ; and vj. mesis liyng^
evene streight ayenst the mylle that william fit 3 henry held1
somtyme, with his pertynentis, savyng1 the services of the chief 1 2
lordes, that is to sey, xij. cTto the temple and viij. d?to the lord1
of wycombe ; And ij. seldis in the market of wy combe, with aft
ther pertynentis, the which lyen by the seldis that * Robert of
Cromdene helde And the selde that Robert Rut held1, savyng the 16
service of the chief lordes, that is to sey, iiij. shillings by yere ;
And the rente of xx. shillings yerely in the same towne, that is
to sey, iij. shillings of a mese that Walter Poderugge somtyme
held1, the which mese lieth bitwene the mese that Clement 20
Smyth held1 and a mese that Thomas Budekyne helde, and ij.
shillings x. cFof a mese that Symond1 Tanner somtyme helde of
the said1 Adam, that lietTi bitwene Ipe mese that Robert hugedeue
helde and the mese that Symond1 held1, And vj. d! of a mese that 24
the seicT Symond1 helde, that lietn bytwene the mese of the fadir
of the same Symond1 and the mese that Suternan helde, And •
xvj. d1. of a mese that waiter watte helde, that lieth bitwene the
mese that Richard? Rechel helde and that Geffrey Tanner helde, 28
And iij. shillings of a mese that Robert Casyer helde, that lieth
bitwene the mese that Richard1 Plomer helde and the water that
is I-called1 gutter, And iiij. shillings of a mese that Roger Sire
helde, that lietfc bitwene the mese that Thomas fit} Petir helde 32
and the kyngis weye, And iiij. d1. of the mese that Andrew
Cotelere helde, that was of Raaf Dede, and ij. shillings of a selde
that Richarde Sobynton) helde in the markette, And vj. d?. of a
mese that the same Richard1 helde, that lieth bitwene the mese 36
that Thomas Wullere held1 and a mese that Roger Riseborough
held1; And ij. shillings of a mese that Adam Mercer helde, that
bitwene the mese that Alisaundre Cunyj held? And another
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe 97
mese that the same Adam held1, And vj. ct! of a mese that Raaf
Trepynett helde, that lietfc bitwene the mese that Geffrey Coteler
held1 of the hospital! of seynt lofin And the mese that lohn
4 Gutter held1: To be had5 and to be holde, frely and quyetly, fully
and holy, for ever. And the Abbesse and the Couente of the Godstow
seid? place, that is to sey, of Godestowe, graunted1 and surely ^provide
behete that, in the wey of charite, that they wold1 fynde for ever a priest
. to say daily
8 a prest conuenient ]>at shold1 do a prestis service every day, the services
namely for the sowles of the forsaid1 peple, another tyme of the esire *
said? Abbesse and Couente I-shewed? is conteyned! And the
said1 Adam and his heires warantijed1 and defended1 for ever the
12 forsaid? tenementis, wiih ]>e periynentes, And -with the forsaid1
rentes, by the forsaid? seruyces, to the howse of Godestowe and
to the mynchons ther smiyiig1 god. And that these aforsaid?
thynges shold1 be sure, & cetera.
[102.] * A Charter of Amphelice, Abbesse of Gode- * leaf 173.
stowe, and of the Couent of the same place, f^JJ}1*
grauntyng1 to Adam Waldere of Wycombe in the
wey of charite to fynde a prest to sey cowmendacior},
placebo and dirige, and masse for his sowle, &
cetera,
1 6 THE sentence of this charter is that Amphelice, Abbesse, and Undertak-
the Couente of Godestowe, atte prayers of Adam Walder of ^fw ^0God"
"Wycombe, graunted1 and behete, to god and to oure lady and to provide
fir cliRntrv*
aft the seyntis, and to Adam, for the sake of charite, that they priest daily
20 and alt ther successors wolde fynde in the towne of Wycombe Wcombe
for ever vpon ther owne costis a Couenable pi eest the whiche church the
shold1 do diligently a pmtis seruyce, that is to sey, masse, com- the dead
mendacion), placebo^ and dirige, namely for the sowles of Waldere o^menda-
24 of Wycombe and of Alyne his wyf, and for the soule of Adam ti°n>
Walder and Anneys his wyf, and comonly for alt trew cristen), matfns),an(
quyk and dede, nother to none olper than to these fowre
specially he shold1 bynde hym-self, but in alt his praiers and name only
28 benefetis he shold? pray to god for them, and he shold1 pray in and his
the begynnyngiof his masse alt openly they that stond?aboute to Jjj^^eij?6
pray for them. And these thyngis, and alt other content in son Adam
this writyng1 towche that same preest, which-so-ever shold? be wife Agnes.
98
The chap-
lain to take
oath faith-
fully to do
his office.
During any
vacancy of
the chap-
laincy, the
service is
to be said at
Godstow by
one of the
nunnery
chaplains.
Godstow
shall
supply the
chaplain
with fitting
lodging,
clothing,
and main-
tenance.
Recitation
of the en-
dowments,
as in no.
101, viz.
(a) house ;
(6) tene-
ment;
* leaf 173,
back.
(c) six mes-
suages ;
(d) two
booths in
Wycombe
market ;
(e) eleven
rent-
charges.
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
sette for the tyme, he shold1 behote, afore good1 men and sadde
in wycombe, openly, in the worde of god, hymself to kepe for
his powers. And yf hit happened1 that, by the dethe or sike-
nesse or ony occasion) the forsaid1 seruyce of the forsaid1 preest l 4
be I-letted) they at Godestowe by some of theire chapeleyns shold1
fulfille the lak of the forsaid1 seruyce tille that with-in two
monthes there a covenable chapeleyne were I-sette. They
admytted1 also for ever the same seid1 men and ther sowles into 8
alt ther praiers and ther beneficis. And they shold1 fynde to
the forsaid1 prest for ever in wycombe sufficiant vitaile and
clothyng1 and howse and aft necessaries to hym. And the said1
Adam yaf to them, into helpe of susteynyng1 of that prest, an 12
house in the which walder his fadire dwelled1 in wycombe with
the pertynentis, sauyng1 the seruyce of the chief lordis, that is
to sey, ij. shillings by yere ; and a tenement that Geffrey lutered1
held1, with his pertynentis, the which lieth bitwene the forsaid1 16
house that walder the fadir of the said1 Adam held1 and the
kyngis wey, Savyng1 the service of the chief lordis, that is to
sey, ij. shillings by yere, and j. d! to the heires of the same
Geruayse ; * And vj. mesis that lien) even) ayenst the mylle, that 20
william fit} henry held1, with the pertynentis, savyng1 the seruyce
of the chief lordis, xij. cTto the Temple, and viij. d1 to the lorde
of wycombe ; And ij seldis in the markat of wycombe, with the
pertynentis, the which lyen bitwene the seldis that Robert 24
Croudene helde and the selde that Robert Buth held1, Sauyng'
the seruyce of the chief lordes, that is to sey, iiij. shillings by
yere ; And a rente of xx shillings in the same towne, that is to
sey, iij. shillings of a mese )?at Walter Puderugge helde, the 28
which mese lietn bytwene the mese Ipat Clement Smyth helde
And the mese that Thomas BudekyfD helde, And ij. shillings x. d1
of a mese that Symond1 Tanner helde of the said1 Adam, the
whiche lieth bitwene the mese that Robert Hugendene helde 32
and the mese that the same Symond1 helde; And vj. d1 of the
mese that the said1 Symond1 helde, that lieth bytwene the mese
that Adam Tanner the fadir of hym helde and the mese that
luteman) helde, And xvj. d1. of a mese that Walter Watte helde, 36
that lieth bitwene the mese of Richard1 Rechel held1 and the mese
1 In the Latin the connexion is ' by any other occasion of the said chaplain, the said
service be hindered.'
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe 99
that Geffrey Tanner held1; And iij. shillings of a mese j?at
Robert Calier held1, the which lieth bitwene the mese that
Richard1 Plomer held1 and the water that is I-callecT Outers, And
4 iiij. shillings of a mese that Roger Sire held) that lieth bitwene
the mese fat Thomas Fit} Petir helde and the kyngis wey, And
iiij. d?. of a mese that Andrew Coteler helde, the which was of
Raaf dede, And ij. shillings of a selde that Richard? Sobynton)
8 held1, the which lieth bitwene the selde that Robert Payntour
held1 and the seld? that William Walder helde in the markat,
And vj. d? of a mese that the same Richard? helde, that lieth
bitwene a mese that Thomas Waller helde and a mese that
12 Richard? Ryseborough held1, And ij. shillings of a mese that
Adam Mercer helde, that lieth bitwene the mese that Alisaundre
Cunyj held? and another mese that the same Adam Mercer helde,
And vj. d? of a mese that Raf Tropeneft helde, that lieth bitwene
1 6 the mese that Geffrey Coteler^ helde, of the hospytaft of seynt
lohn and the mese that lohn Cluter held1.
And Amphelice, and aft the Abbesse succedyng1 her, shold? Godstow,
fynde for ever of the forsaid1 rente to ther Couente yerely with- octaves of
20 in the vtas of Seynt Micheft a pytaunce of j. half marke; And
every day that the pytaunce was I-yove or shold? * be yove, the take a pit -
same day they shold? haue fully ther seruyce for the sowles ol ^sd. °
the forsaid1; And some day in the woke wolde be fully seruyce * leaf 174.
24 in the chirche of wycombe for the sowles of the same. And
the said? Adam fit} Walder assigned? vj. d1. yerely of the rente of1
the vicariage of the same chirch, to a pytaunce, of a mese that the dead
Robert Cornemonger held1, that liethe bitwene a mese that Abel
28 Coteler helde and a mese that Jordan Miller helde. And these at Godstow,
and also at
aforsaid1 tenementis, with the pertynentis, and the aforsaid? Wycombe.
rentes, the said1 Adam and his heires warantijecT to them and to
ther successours ayenst aft men and women for ever. And
32 Amphelice, and aft abbesse succedyng1 to her, and ther covente,
warantijed1 the forsaid1 graunte and behest or promysse, to the
forsaid1 Adam and to his heires and to his assignes, ayenst aft
men and women. And to the confirmacion) of this ther behest,
36 they put to this writyng1 ther scale. These 2 beyng1 witnesse,
& cetera.
1 The Latin ' vicarie ' is ambiguous, but ' to the vicarage.'
it ought no doubt to be here rendered a Matthew, archdeacon of Buckingham.
H 2
100 Buckinghamshire : Wy combe
[5. Charters of the Basset family, lords of the manor.]
* leaf 179. [103.] *A fynalt accorde bitwene Aleyne Basset and
October. tlie abbesse of Godestowe for an acre of lond and j
half acre in Wycombe.
Quit-claim THIS was the fynaft accorde I-made, in the kyngis courte at
by Alan ' westmynst^r, the vj. yere of the reigne of kyng1 henry the sone
ia 2) lolin, Fro the day of Seynt Mighelt into one moneth,
afore Stephyne Segraue, Kauf harenge, Thomas heyden), Justices, 4
and other trew men of the kyngis than there beyng1 present,
bitwene Aleyne Basset, axer, hy Kobert Fit} Mathew I-sette in
his stede to gete or to lese, and the abbesse of Godestowe, holder,
by Absolon) Staunton I-put in her stede to gete or to lese, of one 8
of \\ acres, acre of mede and one half acre with the pertynentes in wycombe :
whereof hit was I-pleted1 bitwene them in the forsaicT Courte,
that is to sey, that the forsaid1 Aleyne knowleched1 the forsaid'acre
of mede and the half with the pertynentis to be the right of the 12
chirch of seynt lohn Baptist of Godestowe and of the mynchons
ther servyng1 god, and he remytted1 to them and quyte-claymecT,
of hym and his heires, to the same abbesse and to her succes-
* leaf 179, sows * And to the chirche of Seynt lohn Baptist of Godestowe 16
back. forever. And for f>is knowlechyng1, remission), fyne, and accorde,
for the the forsaid1 abbesse of Godestow and the mynchons ther seruyng
of the18 god1 resceived1 the forsaid? Aleyne and his heires in all orison's
convent an(j benefettis that shold1 be do fro that tyme forth in theirs 2o
chirche of Godestowe, & cetera.
* leaf 170, [104.] * A fynaH accorde I-made bitwene Felice,
Febf.'3. Abbesse of Godestowe, and Aleyne Basset, for
sutes and customs that he asked1.
Agreement THE sentence of this fynatt accorde is this, that ther was a
efodstow fynal acord1 I-made, in the kyngis courte at Westmynster, in the
and Alan morow of the purificacion) of oure lady, the vij. yere of the reigne 24
lord of of kyng1 henry the sone of kyng1 lohn, afore Martyne Patishuli,
Wycombe, Raaf harang, gtephyn) Segrave, Thomas Haydon), Eobert
lexynton), Geffrey Sauage, lusticis, and other trew men of the
as to feudal kyngis than there presente, bitwene Felice, Abbesse of Gode- 28
Buckinghamshire : Wycomle 101
stowe, pleyner, by petir of Duncton), I-put in her stede to gete obligations
and to lese, and Aleyne Basset, of sutis and customs that the tenants inW
same Aleyne asked1 of men of the same Abbesse of Wycombe to Wycombe.
4 be do atte courte of the same Aleyne in Wycombe. Alan had
Wherof the same abbesse playned1 that the forsaid1 Aleyne force them
vexed? vnrightfully and ayenst her liberteis her men, axyng1 of market^7
them customs and smiyces that they sholcT not do, fat is to sey, dues ; m
8 of euery howse fat was of the fee of the abbesse iiij. d1. by yere, in leasing
and that Aleyne distreyned1 her men aforsaid1 that they shold1 ^^J^
take to ferme the towne of wycombe witA his men, And also as al«-
that the same Aleyne wold1 have made that they shold1 haue ben
12 tempters or tapsters of brede and ale in the said1 towne, Also (d) to forfeit
that the same Aleyne made to cary the donges I-founde vpon the Ureif MUn
fee of the same Abbesse vpon) his lond1 and [= if] they had1 1-ley the street-
oner right [sic] in the strete, the whicft sutes and customs the
16 same abbesse knew not to hy?n.
And hit was I-pleted1 bitwene them in the forsaicT Courte, that Decision :
is to sey, that the forsaid1 abbesse, for her and other abbesses
that shulde succede her, agayne knowleched1 and graunted1 to the (a) musfc
30 same Aleyne that he and his heires shold1 take euery yere, for the yearly for
commune of the market, iiij. d1. of euery hede house that was of tlwted1"
the fee of the same abbesse of Wycombe and whos dore is opened1 dwelling-
toward1 the strete and in the which ben) men dwellyng^and smoke whose door
34 comytft out, so that of other howses tlie dores ben) not openyd1 ^^treet*0
toward1 the strete they myght no f yng-take, nother of the howses but shall be
in the which men dwelle not in thougn the dores ben opened1 houses
toward1 the strete. And furthermore the same abbesse graunted
28 that her men of wycombe shold1 be tempters or tapsters of brede not in-
and ale in the fee of the same abbesse and in the fee of the same ^ must
Aleyne and of his heires, whan they were resonably I-chose j
after the resonable terme. And yf the men of the same Abbesse when
32 trespassed1 in ony that perteyned1 to the market of brede and ale jn due
or of of er f ynges perteynyng* to the marcat in the day of the rotation ;
marcat, and while the marcat stode, and in the marcat, so that pay fines
they fille into arnersyng1 or a-mercement, the same Aleyne and
36 his heires shold1 have a resona*ble amercement after the maner
breach of
of the trepasse, without ony agayfi) saiyng1 of the abbesse or market-
the abbessis that shold1 succede her. leaf 170,
And for this recognycion), graunte, fyne, and acorde, the same back.
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
Godstow
and
Godstow
tenants to
have privi-
lege to cart
their man-
ure on to
their lands
and to leave
manure in
the street
for a year,
but if it is
left longer
the lord of
the manor
may claim
it.
Godstow
tenants to
bear their
share of
tallage,
when the
king asks
tallago.
Godstow
1 chief
court ' to
be exempt
from mar-
ket-dues.
Aleyne grauntecT to the same abbesse that she, and other abbessis
that shold1 succede her, shold1 frely have the dunges, and the
men of the fee of the same abbesse ', and cary them wit/t ther
owne cartis vpon ther owne demayne londe at ther wille and 4
have ther resonable cariyng'thurgn aft the fee of the same Aleyn)
and of his heires in the same towne ; And yf perauenture the
same Abbesse, or other f>at sholcT succede her, bere not a- way
tho dunges I-founde in his aforsaicT fee, with-in a yere after they 8
have ben layecT there in the strete, with ther owne cartis, hit
shold1 be lawfuft to the same Aleyne and to his heires to bere
away tho dungis and to do therof his wille, and not afore. He
graunted1 also that aft lib^rteis I-graunted1 to 2 the charter of i 2
kyng^s henry and Richard1, the which that ben) not ayenst this
covenaunte, shold1 be saaf to the same abbesse and abbessis suc-
cedyng1 to her. Also hit is to be know J>at this ende was I-
made bitwene them, sauyng1 to Aleyne and to his heires theire .16
resonable tallagis of the forsaid1 men of the abbesse whan the
kyng1 tallagith his demaynes thurgh EngloncT. Furthermore hit
is to be know that the same Aleyne and his heires shold1, after
that j?at is I-said1 before, of every house of the which the dore is 20
opened1 to the strete [take] iiij. d1, out-take houses that ben in
the chief courte of the same Abbesse, & cetera.
* leaf 175.
About
1270.
* A Transcripte charter of philippe Basset I-made
the mynchons of Godestowe confermyng1 xl.
[105.]
to
shillings of Rente in Wycombe, & cetera.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Philip
Basset, for
a clothing
allowance,
of rent-
charges
amounting
THE sentence of this charter is, that Philip Basset 3, for the
helthe of his soule, and of Dame Ele 4, Countesse of Warwyke, 24
his wyf, and of the soules of his auncetours and successours, yaf,
& cetera, to god1, & cetera and to the mynchons of Godestowe
ther seruyng1 god and to serue for ever, to ther clothyng- for
evere, into fre pure and perpetuel almesse, xl. shillings of yerely 28
yearly. rente, with aft ther pertynentis, in his maner of Wycombe to be
take of the tenementis vndir written), that is to sey, of the
tenementis of Geffrey Martyne, iij. shillings iiij. d! at ij. tmnes
of the yere, that is to sey, at Mighelmasse xx. d1, and at our lady 32
day in marche xx. d1. ; of the tenemente of Thomas Marchaunte,
1 i. e. should have ' fima sua.' 3 i.e. ' in.' 3 Lord of Wycombe, died 1271. * Died 1 297.
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe 103
iij. shillings iiij. d! at the same termes; Of the tenement of
Walter Sclo, iij. shillings iiij. dl at the same tonnes; Of the
tenement of laurence Morgan), iij. shillings iiij. d1 at the same
4 termes; Of the tenement of Roger Couper, iij. shillings iiij. d1
at the same termes; Of the tenement of lohn of the Brugge,
iij. shillings iiij. d1 at the same termes ; Of the tenement of
Nicholas Fulom), iij. shillings iiij. d1. at the same termes ; Of
8 the tenement of humfrey huttrecT, iij. shillings iiij. d1. at the
same termes; of the tenement of Richard1 Brither, iij. shillings
iiij. d1. at the same tmnes; Of the tenement of Benet Baker,
iij. shillings iiij. d1. at the same termes ; Of the tenement of lohn
12 fit} Walfrido, vj. shillings viij. cTat the same termes : To be hacT
and to be hold1, of hym and his heires, to the same mynchons
and to ther successours ther seruyng1 god and to serve for ever,
in-to fre pure and perpetuel almesse, the forsaicT xl. shillings of
1 6 rente, with aft ther pertynentis, frely quyetly and vttirly holy,
wzt/i-out any agayn) holdyng1 and seculer seruyce. And the said1
Philippe Basset warantijed1 aquyted1 and defended1 the forsaid1 xl.
shillings of rente, with aft ther p^rtynentis, to the forsaide myn-
20 chons and to ther successours there seruyng1 god and to serue
for ever, into free pure and perpetuel almesse, ayenst aft men
for eu«r. Into witnesse of whiche thynge, & cetera.
[6. Miscellaneous documents about property.]
[106. * Charter of William of Buketot. * Exchequer
MS. leaf
WILLIAM of Buketot gave to Godstow 205. yearly out of 101» back-
About 1200.
24 his mill at the bridge of Wycombe, that Godstow should Grant to God-
keep in memory himself, his wife, and his sons (' pueri '), and ^m'0f^Sil
kindred. tot, of a rent-
Witnesses : — Robert of Buketot, Robert of Horton, etc.] Bridge Mill. °
[107.] * A charter of William fltj Thomas Waldere I- * Bawl,
made to the mynchons of Godestowe for iiij. shilling 174*.
worthe of Rente in Wycombe.
28 THE sentence of this charter is that William, sone and heire
of Thomas Walder of wycombe, willed1 to be know to aft peple
that beholditH or herith this present writyng1, that whan the
104
of two rent-
charges,
viz. 3*. and
i*., given
by his
father
Thomas
Walder.
* leaf 174,
back.
About
1240?
Grant to
Godstow,
by Gregory
Tropenell,
of a rent-
charge of is.
About
1240?
Order by
Gregory
Tropenell,
to his
Wycombe
tenant,
directing
payment of
no. io8to
Godstow.
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
said1 Thomas his fadir yaf in ony tyme, to the abbesse and
couente of Godestowe, iiij. shillyngworthe of rente yerely, with
the pertynentis, in the borougn of wycombe, that is to sey, of
the tenement that Cristmasse held1 in the strete that is I-callecN
vinychburgge iij. shillings, and of a mese of Koger Cordewaner
in the same place xij. dl, he willed1 to be know hym-self to have
I-graunted1 the same yifte and confermecF hit witn this his
present charter for hym and his heires : To be had1 and to be 8
holde, to the forsaicf Abbesse and Couente and to ther succes-
soures, * frely, quyetly, fully, pesibly and holy, for ever, into fre
pure and perpetuett almesse. Into witnesse of the whiche, &
cetera. 1 2
[108.] A Charter of Gregory Tropenett, I-made to the
mynchons of Godestowe, for xij. 6T. of yerely rente
in Wycombe.
THE sentence of this charter is that Gregory Tropenett yaf,
& cetera, to god & cetera and to the mynchons of Godestowe
there seruyng1 god, xij. dl of rente yerely, into pure and per-
petuett almesse:- To be had1 and to be resceived1 of Raf Mar- 16
chaunte and his heires at ij. termes of the yere, that is to sey,
vj. dl at the fest of oure lady in Marche and vj. dl at the fest of
seynt Michett. And Gregory and his heiris waran^ed1 the for-
said1 xij. d1. of rente to the Covente of Godestowe and to ther ao
successoures ayenst aft men livyng-. And for also moche that
this his graunte and yifte, & cetera.
[109.] A-nother Charter of Gregory Tropenett makyng
Kauf Marchaunte his attourney yerely for xij. dl of
rente to the Couente of Godstowe.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Gregory Tropenett made
attorney Rauf marchaunte and his heires to yielde yerely to the 24
Couente of Godestowe and to ther successoures xij. <T. of rente,
for his and his auncetours helthe, that is to sey, of tho iij. shil-
lings, the which he yelded1 to hym by yere of that mese that he
had1 of his yifte, as his charter witnessetn. And leste that the 28
same Rauf or his heires shold1 rynne into harme thereof after-
warde by hym or by his heires, he strengthed1 J>is writyng1 with
his scale. These beyng; witnesse, & cetera.
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe 105
[110.] A Charter of Mabile the doughtir of Sawarde of About
Wycombe I-made to
stowe for here Mille.
Wycombe I-made to the holy mynchons of Gode- 1200'
THE sentence l of this charter is that Mabile the doughter of Grant to
Sawarde of Wycombe yaf, & cetera, to god & cetera and to the
holy mynchons of Godestowe ther servyngigod, her mylle as she daughter of
4 helde hit of the kynge, and of2 the chirche of Wycombe to a mill; and
the light ij. shillings the whiche william wynchelege yelded1 ^-ycom°be
to hym (of the whicn they ought to yelde to the kyng* xij. cT), church of
and xviij. eT. the whiche walkelyne Tylare yelded1 to hym, of the charges, a
8 which to the kynge viij. <T. And a shoppe that Sayeue Scrippe J^mes*
helde. And vj. 6T the which she yelded1 to Rauf Bordwace, stages.
and ij. meses in the chirch yerde. These beyng1 witnesse, &
cetera.
12 [i 10 bis. * Notum sit omnibus tarn presentibus quam futuris * Exche-
quod ego Mabilia filia Sawardi de Wicumbe dedi et concessi et SJIfis?."
mea carta confirmavi deo et sancte Marie et ecclesie Scmcti Grants, as
lohannis Baptiste de Godestowe et sanctimonialibus ibidem deo Godst'ow-
1 6 servientibus, molendinum meum, sicut ego tenui de Rege; et
ecclesie de Wicumbe ad lumen ii. solidos quos Willelmus de and to
Winchelege mihi reddidit (de quibus debent reddi regi xiic?.), church! °
et xviii denarios quos Galfridus filius Osberti mihi reddidit (de
20 quibus regi iiii), et xviii denarios quos reddidit mt'M Walkelinus
telarius (de quibus regi viii), et soppam quam Saieva Scrippa
tenuit, et vi. denarios quos reddidit mihi Radw/p&ws Bordwace,
et duo messuagia in cimiterio.
24 Hiis testibus : — Thoma, sacerdote de Godestowe ; Ada,
capellano de Wicuwiba ; Roberto capellcmo ; Henrico le mercer;
Waltero diacono ; Godofrido clerico ; Roberto fih'o Godwe ;
Hicardo de malvines ; Symone le masun ; Godwino fabro.]
[111. * Charter granting the mill to William, son of * Exohe-
Hervey. JSfiSS!'
back.
28 JULIANA, abbess of Godstow, and the convent, granted to ^)(£lt
William, son of Hervey, and to his heirs, the mill of Wycumbe Grant by
1 Since this charter is very obscurely appended for the sake of comparison.
expressed in the English, the Latin is a ' of is a mis- translation for 'to.'
106
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
Godstow, to which Mabel daughter of Seward bequeathed to them, subject
sJnlofm' to a yearty rent-charge of 49 shillings.
Hervey, of Witnesses : — four chaplains of Godstow, Thomas, Walerand,
quit-rent, Adam, and Gilebert.] 4
£298.
* leaf 175.
About
1240?
Grant to
Godstow,
by Vincent
Menge,
* leaf 175,
back,
of a plot
of land.
[112.] *A Charter of Vyncente Menge of Wycombe,
I-made to J>e mynchons of Godestowe, for a place
in Wycombe, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is that Vyncente Menge of
wycombe yaf & cetera, to god & cetera and to the mynchons of
Godestowe ther seruynge god and to seme for ever, one place of
his tenement in the towne of * wycombe, the which conteynyth 8
in lengthe viij. perches and x. fote, and in brede to his ende
vttemost toward1 the tenement of the forsaicT Vincente Menge
iiij. perchis, and iiij. fote at the other ende, And hit strecchithe
hit-self fro the tenement of Adam Gluter of the west side by 12
lyne, as the markes haue them self, vnto the tenement of lohn
I-callecT knyght, of the Est parte : To be had1 and to be hold1, witn
ait his pertynentis, of hym and his heires or his assignes, to the
forsaid? mynchons and to ther successours, frely quyetly wele and 16
holy for ever, into pure and perpetueft almesse. And the said1
Vincente Menge and his heires or his assignes warantijed?
aquyted? and defended1 for ever aft the forsaicT place, as hit is
diuided1 afore, with aft his pertynentis, to the forsaid1 mynchons ao
and to ther successours, with the owne costis, ayenst aft men
and women. And that this ther yifte, & cetera.
* leaf 178. [113.] * A Charter of lohn Waleys and Alice his wyf,
quyte-claymyng1 * to the mynchons of Godestowe,
ij. d1. of yerely rente in Wycombe.
* leaf 178,
back.
Fe
Sale to
Godstow,
by John
and Alice
Waleys, of
all right
in a rent-
charge, and
the rever-
THE sentence of this charter is, that lohn Waleys and Alice
his wyf yaf grauntecT and quyteclaymecT, for them and ther 24
heires, to the Abbesse of Godestowe and to the Couente of the
same place, ij. d1. of yerely rente, the which they were I-wonyd1
to haue, and had1, of that mese that Richard1 Smyth held1 in
Wycombe, that lieth bitwene the mese that Walter Slegh helde a 8
and a mese that Geffrey Agmodesham helde : To be had? and to
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe 107
be holde, frely and quyetly, with att the right that they had1 or sionary
myght haue in the same rente and that mese aforsaid? and in conferred.
ther pertyuentis ; So that nother they, nother none by them or
4 for them, myght axe or chalange ony right or clayme in the
forsaicT rente or in the forsaicT meses or in ther pertynentis.
And for this yifte and quyte-claymyng1 the forsaid1 abbesse and1
Couente yaf to them ij. shillings of siluer. These beyng> wit-
8 nesse, & cetera. The thyngis were I-actecT at the purificaciofD
of oure lady, the yere of our lord1 a thousand* two hundred1 fourty
and nyne.
[114.] * A Charter of Alice Blythe, quyte-claymyng1 to * leaf 170.
Dame Emme Bluet, abbesse of Godestowe, a mese 1250!*
with att his pertynentis, in the towne of wycombe.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Alice Blythe yaf, & Sale to
12 cetera, and quyte-claymed1, to dame Emme Bluet, abbesse of by JucI'
Godestowe, and to the couente of the same place, one mese with B1ythe»
att his pertynentis, in the towne of wycombe vpon the fee of the
same abbesse of Godestow, that is to sey, that mese that was of
1 6 William Blythe her vncle J>at fille to her by the name of of all right
heritage of the p«rte of the same William Blithe her vncle, and agea.messu"
lieth bitwene the mese that Geffrey Gutere held1 and that mese
that Thomas Baker held1, as the markes and departyngis teche
20 and shew : To be hold1 and to be had] with att his pertynentis,
to the forsaid1 abbesse and couente and to ther successours, wele
and in pease, with att the right and clayme that he or ony of his
heires hacT or myght have, Doyng1 seruyce to the chief lordis
24 dewe therof. And for this yifte graunte and quyte-claymyng; purchase-
the forsaid1 Abbesse yaf to her xx. shillings of siluer before " mey*
handes. And ])at f>is her yift, & cetera.
[115.] * A Charter of Walter Baker quyte-claymyng1 to * leaf 179,
the mynchons of Godestowe att his right that he ^^t
had? in that mese that he helde of Richard1 Alecod1 of 1250 ?
the fee of the chirch of Wycombe.
THE sentence of this charter is that Walter Baker and his Sale to
28 heires quyte-claymed", to the abbesse of Godestowe and to the ^°^S^r
Couente of the same place, att the right that they had1 in that Baker, of
108
'inghamshire :
all right in
a messuage,
purchase-
money,
£5 6s. 8d.
mese that he helde of Richard1 Alecod? of the fee of the chirche
of wycombe, that is to sey, of that mese that is bitwene the house
that was of leuewyfi) the Smyth and the house of Richard1 AlecocT.
And for this quyte-claymyng1 the forsaid Abbesse and Couente 4
of the same place yaf to hym and to Liette his wyf and to his
children) viij. mark of rent *. And waiter and his wyf and his
children) abyured1 alt ther right of the forsaid? mese and of aft
the pMynentis of hit afore the Courte of wycombe. These 8
beyng1 witnesse, & cetera.
* leaf 181.
Atout
Grant to
MaudHors-
nail, by
her mother
Alyne, of
a plot of
land (see
no. 122).
[Marlow.]
* leaf 181,
back.
[clove-
gilly-
flower.]
* A Charter of Alyne the doughter of Richard
Horsneyl confermyng1 to her doughtir Moolde j
place of londe with the partynentis in wycombe, &
cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is that Alyne, the doughter of
Richard1 Horsneyl, yaf, & cetera, to Moolde her doughtir, one
place of lond1, with the pertynentis, in Wycombe, the which lieth 1 2
in one place bitwene the lond1 the which william wander held" of
the yifte of Thomas Selewyne and the lond1 of Richard1 Archer
in brede, And hit buttith to that hede vpon) the brynke
ayenst the mese of SymoncF Santerdon), and buttith at another 16
hede vpon the lond1 of waiter Carter, and strecchith hit-self in
length vnto the mese that Thomas wauder held? somtyme beside
the stone that lieth in the wey that ledith toward1 Merlawe in
the forsaid? towne of wycombe, beside the tenementes of Richard? 20
Ailriche and that Richard1 Monnere somtyme helde, as the markes
vpon euerych a side * teche and shew : To be had1 and to be
hold1, to the same Holde and to her heires or her assignes, of her
and her heires or her assignes, also holy in aft thynges, with 24
fre entryng1 and goyng1 out, as the same fore-named1 Richard1
horsenayl held? that place, frely quyetly by right heritage for
ever, yeldyng1 therof by yere to the chief lordes of the fee
seruyces dewe therof, and to her and to her heires or her 28
assignes one clowe gelofure at Estir, for aft seruyce, sute of
courte, custome, and exaccion). And Alyne and her heires or
her assignes warantijed1, aquyted) and defended1, to the same
1 Read ' silver ' for ' rent.'
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe 109
Molde and to her heires or to her assignes, the forsaid1 place,
with ait his pertynentis, ayenst aft peple for ever. And that
this her yifte, & cetera.
[117.] *A Charter of Emme, abbesse of Godestowe, *ieafi79,
confermyng1 to SymondT Santyrdon aH a tenemente -J^^t
with his pertynentis. 1250.
4 THE sentence of this charter is that Emme, abbesse of Grant by
Godestowe, and the Couente of the same place, yaf, & cetera, to to°Siinon
SymoncT Santerdon), for his seruyce, aft that tenement, witn his Santerden,
pertynentis, that Wilh'am Oso held1 of them in that strete that stow tene-
8 leditn to the mese that was of Gilbert of Ireland1, the whicfc
tenement lietn bitwene the mese that lotn Gokle helde and the
mese that AlecocT helde, as the markes and departyngis on
euerycn a side teche and shew : To be had1 and to be hold1, of
1 2 hym and his heires and his assignes, excepte bowses of Religion)
and lewys, heritably frely quyetly and holy for ever, yeldyng1 [Jews.]
yerely to them and to the Couente succedyng1 them iij. shillings
at ij. tmnes of the yere, that is to sey, at the fest of seynt
16 Migheft xviij. d1 and at the fest of our lady in marche xviij. d!,
for all seruyce, customs, and sutis of Courte, and aft demaundis,
but hit were to the a forrenge courte and }?at at ther resonable
warnyng1. And they and the couente succedyng1 them warantijed?
20 the forsaid1 tenement with his pertynentis to the * forsaid1 * leaf 180.
• Symond1 and to his heires or his assignes, out-take houses of
Religion) and lewes, ayenst aft men for ever. And that this his
yifte, & cetera.
[118.] A Charter of Symond? Alecod?, confermyng1 to About
Symond? Santerdon) j pece of londe with his per- 1250f
tynentis, & cetera.
24 THE sentence of this charter is, that Symond1 AlecocT yaf, Sale to
graunted1, &. cetera, to Symond1 Santerdon), for his seruyce, santerden,
j pece of loncT, witft the pertynentis, in the towne of wycombe ^y Simon
vpon the fee of the abbesse of Godestow, that is to sey, that
28 pece of lond? the whicn lietft in brede bitwene the tenement
that Robert Fit3 Wareyne held1 and the tenement that William
Hoso held1 somtyme, and strecchitfc hit-self in lengtn fro the
110
of land,
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe
tenement of the forsaid1 Symond? Alecod1 vnto the tenement that
lonn Golde helde : To be had1 and to be holde, of hym and his
heires, to the forsaid1 Symond1 and to his heires or to whom-so-
ever he woloT assigne hit, frely and quyetly and by right heritage 4
holy wele and in pease, witn aft his pertynentis, as markes and
departyngis teche and shew, yeldyng1 therof yerely to hym
and to his heires jdbolus at Cristmasse, for aft seruycis, and
customs, sutis of courtis, and aft seculer demavndes. And the 8
forsaid? Symond? Alecod1 and his heires waran^ed1 the forsaict1
pece of lond1, witn aft his pertynentis, to the forsaict1 SymoncT
Santerdon) and to his heires or his assignes, ayenst alle men and
alle women, lewes and cristen). And for this yifte, & cetera, the 12
forsaid'Symond' Santerdon) yaf to them j marke of siluer, & cetera.
[119.] A Charter of Moolde, somtyme the wyf of
Symond1 Alecod?, quyte-claymyng1 to Symond? San-
terdon) alt the right in that mese aforsaide, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Moolde that was the wyf
of SymoncT AlecocT, in her wedowhode and fre power, relesecTand
quyte-claymect to Symond? Santerdon) aft the right and clayme 16
that she had1 or myght haue in that mese of the abbesse of
Godestowe in the town) of wycombe, that fille to her in the
name of dowery of the behalf of J>e forsaid? Symond1 Alecod1 her
husbond1, the which, mese lietn bitwene the wey that leditn to 20
the house of lofrn of IrloncT and the mese that William Walder
held? : To be had? and to be hold1, to the said1 Symond? Santerdon)
and to his heires or his assignes, frely quyetly and pesibly for
her [and for her heires] for ever. And for this relese and 24
quyte-claymyng', the forsaicf Symond1 yaf to her one marke of
siluer. And that molde, nother none for her, shold? not have
power afterward? to axe ony right or clayme in the forsaid? mese,
she put to this writyng1 her scale. * These beyng1 witnesse, 28
& cetera.
[120.] A Charter of Andrew flt^ William Carter con-
fermynge vnto Symond? Santerdon) one mese with all
his pertynentis in wycombe.
Sale to THE sentence of this charter is, that Andrew fitz william
Santerden, Carter yaf, & cetera, to Symond1 fitz william Santerdon), one
quit-rent,
ik
[Jews.]
About
1255.
Sale to
Simon San-
terden, by
Maud Ale-
cod, widow,
of her join-
ture right
in a mes-
suage (see
no. 123).
Purchase-
money,
* leaf 180,
back.
About
1255.
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe 111
mese, with all his pertynentis, in the towne of wycombe, that by Andrew
lieth bitwene the mese that David? Smyth held1 and the mese tenement,
that Richard1 Archer held?, as the markes and departyngis teche
4 and shew : To be had1 and to be hold1, of hym and his heires, to
the forsaicT Symond1 and to his heires and his assignes, heritably
frely quyetly and holy for ever, with aft the right that he had1
or myght haue or that myght come to hym in ony wise, yeldyng1 yearly
8 to hym and to his heires ij. shillings ix. dl at ij. termes of the 2™9Jen '
yere, that is to sey, at the fest of seynt Mighelt xvj. dl obolus
and at the fest of our Lady in marche xvj. dl obolus, for aft
seruycis and aft maner demaundes. And Andrew and his heires
12 warantijed" the forsaid1 mese, with alt his pertynentis, to the
forsaid? Symond? and to his heires and his assignes, ayenst alt
men and women, bothe lewes and cristen), for ever. And for Purchase-
this yifte, & cetera, the forsaid1 Symond1 yaf to hym x. marke J^JgJ'^.
16 of siluer to warison). And for-asmoche that he willed? this his
yifte, & cetera.
[121.] A Charter of Sabyne, the doughter of Osbert, About
Cordewaner, of wycombe, quyte-claymyng1 to
Symond? Santerdon alt the right that she had? in
a mese in wycombe.
THE sentence of this writyng1 is this, that Sabyne, the Sale to
doughter of Osberte, Cordewayner, of wycombe, quyte-claymed1, santerden
20 for her and her heires, to Symond1 Santerdon) and to his heires ^ Sabina,
daughter of
or his assignes, alt the right and clayme that she had1, or rnyght Osbert, of
chalange or clayme, in that mese with the pertynentis in the no. ^20.
towne of wycombe, that lieth bitwene the mese that Dauid Faber
24 held1 and the mese that Richard1 Archer helde, as the markis
and departyngis teche and shew. And for this quyte-clayme
the forsaid1 Symond1 yaf to her ij. shillings of silu^r into warison).
Into witnesse, & cetera.
[122.] A Charter of Moolde, the doughtir of Alyne hors- About
neyl, confermyng1 to Symond? Santerdon, for j marke 1255>
that the same Symond? yaf to her into warison),
j place with }>e pertynentis in wycombe, & cetera.
28 THE sentence of this charter is, that Moolde the doughtir of Sale to
Alyne horsneyl yaf. & cetera, to Symond? Santerdon), for one
112
Santerden,
for 135. 4«t.,
* leaf 181.
by Maud
Horsnail,
of no. 1 1 6.
[A great
stone.]
[clove-
gilly-
flower,]
Buckinghamshire :
marke of siluer "that the same Symond? yaf to here hefore
handes into warison), one place of lond? with aft his pertynentis
in wycorabe, the which lieth in one place bitwene the lond1 that
william wauder held1 of the yifte of Thomas Selewyne and the 4
lond? of Richard? Archer in brede, and hit buttith to one hede
vpon the brynke evene ayenst that mese of SymoncT, and hit
buttith to another hede vpon the lond1 of waiter Carters, and
hit strecchith hit-self in lengthe vnto a mese of Thomas wauder 8
somtyme helde, beside the stone that lieth in the wey the
which ledith toward1 Merlaw in the forsaid1 towne of wycombe
beside the tenement of Richard1 Alriche and the tenemente that
Richard1 Monnere held1, as the markis and the departyngis vpon i a
evericft a side teche and shew : To be had1 and to be hold; to the
same Symond1 and to his heires or his assignes, of her and her
heires or her assignes, also frely in aft thyngis, with fre entryng1
and goyng1 out, as Richard1 horsneyl the fadir of the forsaid1 16
Alyne helde somtyme that place, quyetly, in fre heritage for
ever, yeldyng1 therof yerely to the chief lordes of that fee semicis
dew therof, and to her and to her heires or to her assignes
j clowe gelofure at Estir, for aft seruycis, sutis of courtis, 20
customs, and exaccion). And moolde and her heires or her
assignes warantijed1 acquyted1 and defended1, to the same Symond?
and to his heires or to his assignes, the forsaid? place, with his
pertynentis, as hit is I-saide afore, ayenst aft peple. And that 24
this her yifte, & cetera.
* leaf isi, [123.] * A Charter of Symond? Santerdorfi quyte-claym-
About ynS" to the mynchons of Godestowe att his right in
1260. an howse that he bought somtyme of Symond?
Quit-claim
toGodstow,
by Simon
Santerden,
of his right
in no. 119,
[Mass of
Our Lady]
Alecod? in Wycombe.
THE sentence of this quyte-clayme is, that Symond? Santerdon)
relesed?, and vttirly quyte-claymed1, to god? & cetera and to the
holy mynchons of Godestowe ther sefuyng1 god and to senie for 28
ever, aft the right and clayme that he had1 or myght haue in
that house that he bought somtyme of Symond1 Alecod1, the
which is I-sette bitwene the house the whiche william Wauder
assigned? to a chapeleyne seiyng1 for ever the masse of our lady 32
of the one parte, and the lane the which strecchith hit-self
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe 113
toward1 the house of lohn Irlande of the other parte ; Savyng1 but subject
nathelesse that Godfray his brother and Milisente his wyf helde Crests.
alone the forsaicT house, with his pertynentis, to there lyf,
4 with-oute agayne-saiyng1, doyng1 therof to the abbesse and
Couente of Godestowe dew seruyce and I-wonycT. And for-as-
mocn as he wolde that this relesse and quyte-clayme, & cetera.
[124.] A Charter of Symond? SanterdoBquyte-claymyng1 About
to the mynchons of Godestowe one mese in Wy- 1260<
combe, & cetera.
THE sentence of this quyte-clayme is, that SymoncT Santerdon) Quit-claim
8 yaf grauntecT and vttirly quyte-claymecT, for his soule and for the ^^^orT'
soule of Molde his wyf and for the soules of his auncetours, to Santerden,
god1 & cetera and to the mynchons of Godestowe ther seruyng1 of his right
god, that his one mese, that is to sey, that lieth bitwene JJe*m'
12 somtyme the mese of Reynere Baker and the mese somtyme of
John Goab in the towne of wycombe, as the markyngis and
departyngis teche and shew. : To be * had1 and to be hold1, with * leaf 182.
all his pertynentis, to the said1 mynchons and vnto theire
1 6 successours, frely, quyetly, wele, and in pease, in-to fre and
perpetueft almesse. So that the forsaid? Symond1 nother his
heires myght chalenge ony right or clayme in no wise in the subject to
said1 mese with his pertynentis fro that tyme, Doyng1 therof to ^Marlow
20 the chief lordes of the fee dew seruyce and I-wonycT, that is priory,
to sey, to the prioresse of Merlawe xij. cT. at ij. termes of the and to the
yere, that is to sey, at the fest of seynt Mighett vj. d1. and at ^ycombe
the fest of oure lady in march vj. d1. ; And to the light of the church.
24 chirche of the same towne j. d1. at the same termes; And to
Alice, the doughtir of Gonnylde, one paire of white gloves of [white
the price of jobolus at Ester, for alt seculer demaundes. And Cloves.]
that this his yifte, & cetera.
[125.] A Charter of Symond? Santerdoii) confermyng to About
the mynchons of Godestowe an house in the towne 1260<
of Wycombe.
28 THE sentence of this charter is, that Symond1 Santerdon) yaf, Grant to
& cetera, to god & cetera and to the mynchons of Godestowe ^g^mon
there servyng1 god1 and to serve for ever, for the helthe of his Santerden,
i
114
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
of no. 120,
and of a
meadow.
About
1260.
* leaf 182,
back.
Proposed
sale to
G-odstow,
by Robert
Wareyn,
of a rent-
charge of
isd.
[clove-
Silly-
flower ]
sowle and of Moolde his wyf and of his auncetours and
successours, an house in the towne of wycombe, that is to sey,
that howse that is I-sette bitwene the house that Richard1
Archer somtyme helde and the howse that David1 Smyth 4
somtyme helde, with1 alt the medlyng1 be-yonde the watere,
that is to sey, that mede that the forsaid1 Symond1 bought of the
sone of Walter Buket, as2 the pathes of bothe sides conteyne
them-self and shew, with alt his pertynentis overalle : To be 8
had1 and to be hold1, to the forsaid1 holy mynchons and to theirs
successours for ever, Doyng1 therof to the chief lordes of the fee
seruyce dew and I-wonycT, that is to sey, at the fest of seynt
Michelt xvj. cT. obolus and at the fest of oure lady in marche 1 2
xvj. d! obolus, for alt seruyce exaccioii) and demaunde. And the
forsaid1 Symond1 and his heires or his assignes warantijed1 the
forsaid1 howse and mede, with alt his pertynentis over alt, to
the forsaid1 holy mynchons and to theire successours, ayenst alt 16
men and women, and defended1 and acquyted1 for ever, for the
forsaid1 service. And for alsomoche that he wolde that this his
yifte shold? be sure, & cetera.
[126.] A Charter of Robert Wareyn) confermyng1 to the
mynchons of Godestowe xij. d1. of yerely rente in
Wycombe, & cetera.
* THE sentence of this charter is, that Robert Wareyn), with 20
the consente and assent of Sare his wyf and of his heires, yaf,
& cetera, to the Abbesse of Godestowe and to the Couente of the
same place, xij. 6T. of yerely rente in the towne of Wycombe
vpon the fee of the forsaid1 abbesse, that is to sey, of the tene- 24
mente that lohn Blake helde of hym, that lieth bitwene the
tenement that Alice Clement helde and the tenement that
Symond1 Alecod1 helde somtyme : To be had? and to be holde, of
hym and his heires, to the forsaid1 abbesse and Couente and to 28
ther successours, for right heritage frely quyetly pesibly, with
alt the right and clayme that he or ony of his heiris had1 or
myght haue for ever, yeldyng1 therof yerely to hym and to his
heires one clowe gelofure at Ester, for alt servicis, customs, and 32
demaundis. And for this yifte, & cetera, the forsaid1 Abbesse
1 The Latin is : ' cum toto prato iacente
ultra aquam.'
8 Kather : ' as, by a path on each side,
se continent et proportant.' '
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe 115
yaf to hym ix. shillings of siluere afore handes. And the forsaid1
Robert wareyfD and his heires waranti^ecT and defended1 the
forsaicFxij. dl of yerely rente to the forsaict1 Abbesse and Couerite
4 of Godestowe and to ther suceessours, by the forsaid1 seruyce,
ayenst all men and women, cristeii) and lewes for euer. Into
witnesse, & cetera. .
[127.] *A Charter of Robert Wareyne and of Sare his * leaf 178,
wyf confermyng1 to the mynchons of Godestowe About
xiiij. d1. of rente yerely. 1260>
THE sentence of this charter is, that Robert Wareyne, with Actual
8 the consente and assente of Sare his wyf and of his heires, yaf, Godstow,
& cetera, to the Abbesse and Couente of Godestowe, xiiij. 6T. of
yerely rente vpon) the forsaid1 fee in the towne of wycombe : of no. 12 5,
that is to sey, of a tenement that lohn Blake helde of hym, that
i a lieth bitwene the tenement that Alice Clemente helde and the
tenement that Symoncf AlecooT held1, xij. dl, that is to sey, at
the fest of seynt Migheft vj. d1. and at the fest of our lady in
marche vj. dl ; And of the tenemente that William Pruce and sale of
16 somtyme held1, that lieth bitwene his tenement of the Est parte, rent-charge
ij. d? at ij. termes aforsaicT: To be had1 and to be hold1, of hym of 2d-
and of his heires, to the forsaide Abbesse and Couente and to
ther suceessours, for right heritage frely quyetly and pesibly,
20 with aft the right and clayme that he or ony of his heires had1
or myght have for ever, yeldynge yerely to hym and to his [clove-
heires one clowe gelofure at Ester, for aft servicis, customes, and lov^r.]
demaundes. And for this yifte and graunte the forsaid1 'abbesse
24 and covente yaf to hym x. shillings vj. dl of siluere afore handis.
• And the forsaid1 Robert Wareyne and his * heires warantrjecT * leaf 179.
aquyted? and defended1 the forsaid1 xiiij. 6T. of yerely rente to the
forsaid1 abbesse and Couente of Godestowe and to ther suceessours
28 ayenst aft men and women, cristen and lewes, for ever. In-to [Jews.]
witnesse of whiche thynge, & cetera.
[128.] *A Charter of Thomas Lude confermyng1 to the *ieaf 176»
mynchons of Godestowe a tenemente with all his 127<o!
liberteis and pertynentis.
THE sentence of this charter is that Thomas Lude grauntecT, Sale to
& cetera, to the lady abbesse of Godestowe and to the Couente by Thomas
I 2
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe
Lude, of a
tenement,
quit-rent,
id at Mi-
chaelmas.
[Jews.]
of the same place, a tenemente, witTi alt his liberteis and
pertynentis, in wycombe, that somtyme Robert Taillour helde,
and strecchitfi hit-self in length fro the kyngis wey the whicli
is I-callecT Croydenlane toward1 the Est vnto the graunge of the 4
said1 Abbesse toward1 the west, and in brede fro the way vnto
the graunge of the said1 abbesse fro the nortfi parte vnto the wey
of Roger Blunde of the southe, And hit buttitft aft ayenst the
tenement that somtyma held* Luce Cane and the tenement that 8
somtyme held1 William Furnere and the tenemente of lofcn
Clutere toward1 the southe, as the markes and departyngis vpon
evericli side techith and shewitn : To be had1 and to be hold?, of
hym and his heires, to the forsaid1 abbesse and Couente of the 12
same place and to ther successours and ther assignes, frely,
quyetly, fully and holy, wele and in pease, by right heritage for
ever, yeldynge therof yerely to hym and to his heires or to his
assignes, j. d?. at the fest of seynt Mighel for aft seculer services, 16
customs, sutis of courtis and demaundis. And Thomas Lude
and his heires or his assignes warantijed1 aquyted? and defended1
for ever the forsaid1 tenem3nt, witft aft his pertynentis, to the
forsaid1 Abbesee of Godestowe and to the Couente of the same 20
place and to ther successours or ther assignes ayenst aft men,
lewes and cristene. And for this yifte, & cetera, the forsaicF
abbesse yaf to hym before handis x. shillings into warison). Into
witnesse of whicli thynge, & cetera. 24
About
1270.
Sale to
Godstow,
by Cristina
Lutered,
* leaf 176,
back,
of a quit-
rent and
the rever-
sionary
rights con-
ferred by it.
[129.] A Charter of Cristyne Lutered?, quyte-claymyng1
to Isowde Duram, j. d?. of yerely rente in Wycombe.
THE sentence of this charter is that Cristyne Lutered1 of
wycombe, vn-wedded1 and in her owne fre power, graunted1,
lette, and quyte-claymed1 for ever, for her and her heires, to
Isowde Duram, *at that tyme abbesse of Godestowe, and the 28
Couente of the same place, and to ther successours, j. d?. of
yerely rente witft his pertynentis in the borougt of wycombe,
the whicli yerely she was I-wonyd1 to resceive of the attorney of
the forsaid1 abbesse in wycombe, that is for to sey, for a tenement 32
that Walter Coteler helde somtyme in the burgt of wycombe,
that lietft bitwene the tenement that Andrew lynnen-draper
helde and the kyngis wey that ledith toward?0xon), also witfi aft
Buckinghamshire: Wycombe 117
the right that she had1 or myght have in ony tyme in the forsaid1
tenement : To be had1 and to be hold1, to the forsaid1 Isowde
abbesse and Couente, and to ther successours, frely and quyetly,
4 wele and in pease for ever, with-out ony witft-holdyng1 of her or
of her heires. And for this lettyng; grauntyng" and quyte-
claymyng' the forsaid1 Isowde, abbesse of Godestowe, yaf to her
xij. dl of siluer before handes. Into witnesse, & cetera.
[130.1 A Charter of Roger Blunde, confermyng1 to the About
127O
mynchons of Godestowe, one kyngis wey in ]>e towne
of wycombe.
8 THE sentence of this charter is that Roger Blunde of wycombe Sale to
yaf, & cetera, to dame Isowde, abbesse of Godestowe, and to the by Roger
Couent *of the same place, one kyngis hye wey in the towne of
Wycombe, the whiche lieth bitwene a tenemente of the said1 Ofalane. '
12 abbesse and the tenement of Robert Taillour held1 somtyme, and
hit strecchitfc hit-self in lengthe fro the lane that leditfc toward1
Croyden) vnto his owne Graunge, as markes and departyngis
vpon euerycn side techith and shewitli. To be had1 and to be
16 hold1, with all his pertynentis, of hym and his heires or his
assignes aforsaid1, to the lady abbesse and to the Couente of the
same place and to ther successours, frely, quyetly, fully and holy,
wele and in pease, by right heritage for ever, yeldyng1 therof
20 yerely to hym and to his heires j clowe gelofre at Estere, for aft [clove-
seculer services, customs, sutis of courtis, and demaundes. And flower.]
Roger Blunde and his heires or assignes waranti^ecP, aquyteoT,
and defended1 for ever, the forsaid1 kyngis wey, with his per-
24 tynentes, to the forsaid1 lady abbesse and to the Couente of the
same place and to ther successours, ayenst aft peple, for the
forsaioT service. And for this yifte, & cetera, the forsaid1 abbesse Purchase
yaf to hym half a marke of siluer be-fore handes into warison). 6s, %$. '
[131.] *A Charter of SymondT Hokede confermyng1 to *ieafi82,
the mynchons of Godestowe ij. acres of mede in About
Wycombe, & cetera. 127°-
38 THE sentence of this charter is, that SymoncT Hokede, in the Grant to
way of charite, yaf, & cetera, to god1 & cetera and to the mynchons by Simon
of Godestowe ther seruyng1 god1, for his helth and of his wyfes Hokede» of
2 acres of
meadow.
luckifighamshi/re : Wycombe
and of his Auncetours, ij. acris of mede in "Wycombe, into pure
and perpetual almesse ; that is to sey, a mede at Pukehege that
Richard1 Aylnod1 helde, and iij. perches of mede in Est mede of
wy combe, the whiche ben) next to the mede of Walter Penne, 4
that the same waiter helde of Robert Ruem : To be holde,
of hym and his heires for ever, quyte fro aft seculer seruyce and
exaccion). And Symond1 and his heires waran^ecT the forsaid1
ij. acres to the forsaicT chirche and to the forsaid1 mynchons ayenst 8
ait men. These beyng1 witnesse, & cetera.
About
1270.
Sale to
* leaf 183.
William
Pipinere,
by John
Kyt,
of a
messuage.
[132.] A Charter of lohn Kyt confermyng1 to william
pipinere one mese, with his partynentis, in Wy-
combe, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that lohn kyt yaf, & cetera,
to william * Pipinere, for his homage and seruyce, and for
xxiij. shillings of siluer the which he yaf to hyin before handes, 12
one mese, with his pertynentis, in wycombe, that lieth bitwene
the mese that Robert Alecod1 held? and the mese that william
fit^ lohn wever held1 : To be had1 and to be holde, of hym and
his heires, heritably frely and quyetly, yeldyng1 therof yerely to 16
the abbesse and couent of Godestowe ij. shillings, that is to sey,
at the fest of our lady in marche xij. dl and at the fest of Seynt
Migheft xij. <T. ; And to hym and to his heires yerely j. d1. ; that
is to sey, at the fest of our lady in marche j. obolus and at the 20
fest of seynt Migheft j. dbolus, for aft seruycis and demaundis.
And lohn and his heires warantijecf the forsaid1 mese, with his
pertynentes, to the forsaid1 william and to his heires, ayenst aft
men and aft women. And that this his yifte, & cetera. 2.
About
1270.
Sale to
[133.] A Charter of Anneys the doughtir of Robert Kyt
quyte-claymyng1 to william Fipinere all her right of
a mese in wycombe.
THE sentence of this charters is, that Anneys, the doughtir
°^ R°kert kyt, graunted1 and quyteclaymed1, for her and her
Agnes Kyt, heires, in her fre powers, to william Pipinere, aft the right that
in no. 133. she had1 or myght haue of that mese, with aft his pertynentis, 28
that liethe bitwene the mese that Robert Alecod1 helde and the
mese that william fitj lohn helde in wycombe : To be had1 and
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe 1 19
to be hold1, to the forsaid? william and to his heires, frely quyetly
and peasibly for evere. And for this graunte and quyte-
claymyng1 the said1 william yaf to her xx. shillings of sterlyngis.
4 And Anneys aforsaicT, into witnesse of this graunte and quyte-
clayme, put to this writyng1 her scale. Thise beyng1 witnesse,
& cetera.
[134.] * A Charter of Thomas, Chapeleyne, of Wycombe, * leaf 177,
quyte-claymynge to the howse of Godestowe, About
ij. mesis in Wycombe. 1270<
THE sentence of this charter is that Thomas, Chapeleyne, of Sale to
8 wycombe, yaf and quyte-claymed1, and confermecF with this ^Thomas
present writyng to, the howse of Godestowe for ever, for hym 9haPlain.
and his heires, for god and for the helth of his sowle and of his
auncetours, all the right that he had1 or myght have of ij. mesis
1 2 with * the pertynentis in wycombe vpon the dowery of the * leaf 178.
chirche in the same towne: So that the forsaid1 howse of
Godestowe shold1 resceive of Symond1 Alecod1 and of his heires
yerely iij. shillings at ij. iermea of the yere; And of henry
1 6 Carter and of his heires of William Oscho iiij. shillings yerely
at ij. termes of the yere, Savyng1 the tenementis to hym and to subject to
his heires. The forsaid1 howse shold? yelde therof to the light
of the chirche of wycombe yerely ij. d?., And to hym and to his
20 heires j. d1. in Estir day. And for this yifte and quyte-clayme
the abbesse of the forsaid1 howse yaf to hym xx. shillings of money> £»•
sterlyngis. And that thise afore writte thynges shold1 be sure,
& cetera.
[135.] * A quyte-clayme of Petir fit} Robert CroendeS), *ieaf 175,
quyte-claymyng1 to the Couent of Godestowe a mese About
with the pertynentis, & cetera. 128°-
24 THE sentence of this charter is, that Petir Fit} Croenden) Sale to
grauntecTand quyte-claymed1 to Flandryne, Abbesse of Godestowe,
and to the Couente of the same place, that mese, with the per- son of
tynentis, that he helde in the towne of wycombe in the lane Crendon,
28 that was of william daubure : To be hold? and to be had1, to the r^ht ina
same Abbesse and Couent and to there successours and to there messuage,
assignes, so that Petir or his heires no right myght clayme in the
120
* leaf 178.
About
1300.
Grant by
Godstow,
to William
May, of a
house and
curtilage,
subject to
2S. quit-
rent,
with
special pro-
vision for
distraint.
* leaf 176,
back.
130f,Febr.
Buckinghamshire : Wycombe
same mese nother in his pertynentis. And for this graunte and
quyte-clayme, & cetera, the forsaid1 Abbesse yaf to hym x. shillings
of siluer, by the handes of Thomas Wanders, than ther steward1
there, & cetera. Into witnesse of which thynge, & cetera. 4
[136.] *A Charter of the abbesse of Godestowe, con-
fermyng1 to William May of Wycombe, one howse
and one Curtilage of her fee, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is that Alice, abbesse of
Godestowe, and the Couente of the same place, with one
assente and consente, graunted1, & cetera, to William May of
Wycombe, one howse and one curtilage of ther fee in the towne 8
of Wycombe, witft the pertynentis, the which lye in the subarbis
of Wycombe, with-out the borough, in the strete toward1 the
west and the Kyver that departith the forsaid1 borough and
with-oute, and strecchitli in lengtft fro the tenement of Henry 13
Dyer toward? the sowthe vnto the fee of sir hugt Spencer toward1
the northe, as the markes and depertyngis teche and shewe : To
be had? and to be hold1, of them and ther successours, to the
foi said1 William May and to his heires and to his assignes alt, 16
frely, quyetly and holy, pesibly and heritably for ever0, yeldyng1
therof yerely to them and to ther successours ij. shillings at
ij. formes of the yere, that is to sey, at the fest of our lady
in marche xij. dl and at Mighelmasse xij. dl, for alt seculere 20
seruyces, customs, sutis of courtis, exaccions, and demaundes;
so that the said? William and his heires or ther assignes shold?
susteyne for ever the forsaid? howse, or another vpon ther
forsaide fee, sufficient to neme and to distreyne for the forsaid1 24
rente and the arreragis of hit, yf ther happened? ony. And the
abbesse and Couente and ther successours warantrjecfaquytecTand
defended?for evere the forsaid1 howse and Curtilage, with the perty-
nentos, to the forsaid1 William and to his heires and to his assignes, 28
ayenst alt peple. Into witnesse of which thynge, & cetera.
[137.] * A Charter of Stephyn Agothe, I-pleyd? in the
kyngis Courte, for a tenemente in Irelandes lane in
Wycombe.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Stephen) Agothe willed?
Quit-claim
by Stephen to be knowe to alt cristen men that whan Moolde, Abbesse of
Buckinghamshire : Wy combe 121
Godestowe, pletect1 in the kyngis courte by a breef I-callecT Agothe, of
' Cessauit per biennium ' for the arreragis of the rente in the fn art|ne.
towne of wycombe that he helcle of the same abbesse in Irelandes ment-
4 lane ; Nathelesse that tenement, with alt his pertynentis (of*
certayne causes, that is to sey, bothe for arreragis of rentis and
for sutis of courtis and for other seruyces therof beyng1 behynde
to the forsaid? Moolde abbesse, with-oute ony of right or Icrd-
8 shippe) after that tyme he wolde yelde hit and vttirly quyte-
clayme hit of hym and his heires for ever, So that nother he
nor none in his name myght axe in ony wyse ony right or clayme
in the forsaid1 tenemente. Into witnesse, & cetera. The date at
12 wycombe, in the purifiyng of cure lady, the xxxv. yere of the
reigne of kynge Edwarde.
[138.] *A Graunte of Moolde, abfcesse of Godestowe, * leaf 175,
I-made to Richard1 Fit3 William simple of ClyftoS), Jg^lrt
for j pece of londe with dichis and heggis, and with 131°-
alle other partynentis, & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Moolde, Abbesse of Grant by
Godestow, and the Couente of the same place, with theire owne to°WilUam
1 6 assente and consente, yaf, & cetera, to William fit:? Richard1 S^1*16' for
' J ' / y hfe-term,
simple of Clyfton), j pece of londe with diches and heggis liyng1 of an en-
to, with aft his other -pertynentes, aboue Ludewatir in the co£
parissh of wycombe of the Southe parte, and buttith one hede
ao to the loncF of Sir Robert Fyneel of the west parte, and another
hede to the woode of the prioresse of Merlawe : To be had1 and [Marlow
to be hold1, of them and of ther successouris, to the forsaict priory'J
William fit} Richard1 simple to his lyf, al so frely, quyetly, * holy * leaf 176,
24 wele and in pease, yeldyng1 therof yerely to them) and to ther
successours vj. d!, that is to sey, at the fest of Seynt Mighett
iij. oT. and at the fest of our lady in marche iij. 6T., for aft seculer
seruyce and demaundes. And the forsaid? Molde and the Couente
28 and their successours warantijed? aft the forsaicT pece of loncP,
dyches, and heggis, with aft ther pertynentis, to the forsaide
William, to his lyf only, ayenst aft peple. Into witnesse, &
cetera.
122
DORSETSHIRE
[MAIDEN NEWTON.]
[NoxE. — At the dissolution, 1540, Godstow was still in receipt of this rent-charge
of £6 135. 4^., less 13.5. 4$. paid to the bailiff: Monast. iv. 375~6.]
* leaf 219,
>.1270.
Grant to
by* Painde
Chaworth
(died 1278),
of£6 133. 4d.
able (atPay~
Hullaving-
out of lands
Newton,6"
leaf 220.
of which
shouid be
ance;
a3pittance
annver-
a pittance
[139.] * A Charter of Pagane de Cadurcijs, made to the
mynchons of Godestow, for x. mark yerly in mayden
Newnton).
THE sentence of this charter is, that Pagane de Cadurcijs
yaf, graunted1, and by his present charter confermed) to god and
to the chirch of our lady and seynt lohn Baptist of Godestow
and to the mynchons ther servyng^god and for evermore to serve, 4
for the helth of his soule and for the soule of hawyse his modir
and for aft his auncetowrs and successours, in fre pure and per-
petuel almesse, x. markjOf yerely rent, at hauyndon), at ij termes
in the yere for evermore to be taken) ; that is to sey, at Estir 8
v. markj and at the fest of seynt Mighett v. mark,; and that of
ser lohn Cheverett, knyght, and his heires, for dyuerse tene-
mentis which the forseid1 ser lohn held1 of hym in the towne of
Maiden Newnton) : * To be had1 and to be hold1, the forsaid1 rente, 12
of hym and his heires, to the forseid1 mynchons and to ther
successours, in fre pure and perpetueft almesse for evermore.
And the forsaicT Pagane and his heires, the forsaid1 rent of x.
mark, to the forseid1 mynchons and to ther successours, ayenst 16
alt maner of peple shaft warantije acquyte and defende for euer-
more. He willed1 and ordeyned1 that of the forseid1 rent the saicT
Couent sholcT have for evermore viij. marke to ther clothyng1;
and a mark, to their pytaunce the day of the holdyng1 of the 20
obite of Hawyse his modir ; And a marke to their pytaunce the
day of the holdyng1 of the obite of Eve his Graunt dame : So
that the Abbesse, nother her Steward) no thyng1 elles do vtiih
the forsaid1 rent, neither to chaunge or to make other orde- 24
naunce. And that this his yifte, graunte, and his charter con-
Dorsetshire : May den Newnton 123
fermyng1, sholct1 stonct1 ferine and stable for evermore, he on his
strengthecT his present chartir with his seale. These beynge mother's
witnesse : ser Robert of Owotot, and Robert of Mucegros, ser anmver-
4 Patril^ and hereuyke de Cadurcijs, his brethern), ser Robert of
lustehitt and walrand1 of Bluntesdon), lohn the sone of walrand1,
Maister Robert MayngnarcT, than keper of the hous of Godestow,
and many other.
[140.] A writyng1 fro Pagan de Cadurcijs to ser lohn 1270,
Cheverett, & cetera. July '7>
8 THE sentence of this writyng1 was made fro Pagane de Letter by
Cadurcijs vnto ser lohn of Chevereft, knyght, and to his heires chaworth,
and his assignes who-so-ever thei were : Sendith gretyng1 in god. directing
000; j^ tenant,
where [to] the religious ladies Abbesse and Couent of Gode- Sir John de
12 stow, by his charter, in pure and perpetueft almesse, x. markjof to aTo '
yerely rent of vow for certeyne tenementis in the towne of
the quit-
mayden NewntofD, whicn to hym ye were wonte to pay at rents of
ij. termes in the yere at hauyngdon) to be taken), for hym and for due1 from '
16 his heires, for evermore he yaf and assigned1; [he bade] yow, and tis free-
by the tenour of this present .writyng1 yaf in comaundement, that no. 139.
fro hens forthe, of the payment of the forseicT rent at the same
termes and place to be made, vnto the forseid1 Religious or to Wilts.]
20 theire attorney, beryng1 thise lettrea or ony other lettres of pro-
curacie, and wit^-out ony defaute be ye intendaunte, in fuft
payment makyngi In witnesse wherof to thise present le^res,
he put to his seale. The date is at Godestow, in the day of
24 seynt kenelme kyng1 and martir. The yere of our lord1 god a
thousand1 two hundred1 and Seventy.
[141.] * A ConfirmacioS) of Patricl^ de Cadurcijs con- * leaf 221.
fermyng1 to the mynchons of Godestow the forseid1
x. mark, of yerely rent.
THE sentende of this confirmacion) is, that Patrikj de Cadurcijs Confirma-
Sendith gretyng- in god : know ye vs that we have beholden) th
28 Charter of ser Pagane our brother in thise wordes : ' Be hit by Patrick
knowen to alt nianer of men to whom this present writyng1 shall worth (died
come to, that I pagane de Cadurcijs yaf, graunted1, and by my
present charter confermed1, to god and to the chirche of our lady
32 seynt marie and to seynt John Baptist of Godestow and to the
124
Dorsetshire: May den Newnton
grant (as
in no. 139).
* leaf 221,
back.
[Peter
Quirol,
bishop of
Exeter,
1280-1291.]
1283,
June 6.
mynchons ther servyng'god and to serve for ever, for tLe helthe
of my soule and for the soule of Hawyse my modir and for ait
myne auncetours and successours, in fre pure and perpetueft
almesse, x. mark, of yerely rent at Hauyndon) at two termes in 4
the yere to be taken) for evermore : that is to sey, at Estir
v. mark, And at the fest of seynt Migheft v. markj, and this * of
ser lohn Chevereft and his heires for dyuerse tenementis which
the seicT lohn held1 of me in the towne of Mayden) Newnton) : To 8
have and to hold; aft the forseid1 rente, of hym and his heires, to
the forseid1 mynchons and to ther successours, in fre pure and
perpetueft almesse for evere. And I the foisaicT Pagane and
myne heires aft the forseid1 rent of x. mark, to the forseid? myn- 1 2
chons and to ther successours ayenst aft maner of peple shaft
waranti3e acquyte and defende for euermore. I wille also and
ordeyne that of the forseid? rent the Couent haue yerely viij.
markjVnto their clothyng; and a marke vnto a pytaunce in the *$
day of the obite of hawise his modir, And a marke to a pytaunce
in the day of the obite of Eve his graunt dame : So that the
Abbes se or her Steward1 shall do none other thyng1 wiih the
forseid1 rent nor chaunge nor make ordenaunce. And that this 20
my yifte, graunte, and charter confermyng1, ferme and stable and
vnhurt shaft abide for ever, this present charter I have I-
strengthecTwet/i the prynte of my 'scale. These beyng witnesse :
£er Robert de Tybetot and ser Robert Musegrose, ser Patrik^
and hereuyke de Cadurcijs his brethren), And many other/ This
forseid1 yifte and graunte to stond1 ferme and stable for vs and
for our heires, this present writyng1 we conferme. In witnesse
wherof, to this present writyng1 we have put to our scale. These 28
beyng" witnesse: the worshipfulle Fadre Peter, bisshop of
Excetir, ser Richard? of Colleshy ft, ser Robert of Luffeteshuft, and
ser lohn walrand1, knyghtis, Roger of wryteft, and many other.
The date is at ChynemareforcT, in the fest of whitsontyde, The 32
yere of the reigne of king1 Edward1 Ipe xjth.
[142.] A writyng1 how Pateril^ de Cadurcius wrote to
Alexandre of Chevereft for the x. mark, aforseioT, &
cetera.
Letter by THE sentence of this writyng [is], that Patrik, de Cadurcijs
wrote to Alexandre of Chevereft, the sone of ser lohn of
Dorsetshire : Newnton 125
Cheverett, knyght, and to his heires, and to his assigneis, what- Chaworth,
so-ever thei be : Send1 gretyng1 in our lord1 god ; wher, [to] the hSTenant
Religious ladies Abbesse and Couent of Godestow, ser Pagane Alexander
4 de Cadurcijs, our brother, by his charter, in pure and perpetuel rell, to pay
almesse, x. markj of yerely rent at hauyngdon) to be taken), for charges (as
hym and his heires, yaf and graunted1 and assigned1: which for- toGodstow
seicT yifte by our writyng1 we conferme ; and vnto yow by this
8 present writyngiyeve in comaundement that fro hens forthe vpon)
the payment * of the forseid1 rent at the forseid1 termes to the * leaf 222.
forseid1 Religious or to theirs attorney with-out ony difficulte
that ye take hede and futt payment that ye make. In witnesse
12 wherof, to this present writyng1 We have put to our seale, and
to perpetuel memorie thise our presentis we have made our [Cinder-
le^res patentis. The date is at ChynemareforcT, in the fest aioucester-
of whitsontyde, The yere of the reigne of kyngp Edward1 the s
16 xth
[143.] *A covenaunte bitwene the Abbesse of Gode- * leaf 220.
stow and Alexandre Cheverett, sone of aer lohn of A-D-1283-
Cheverett, knyght.
THE sentence of this covenaunte is made bitwene the Abbesse Agreement
of Godestow and the Couent of the same place of that one Q^stow
partie, and * Alexandre, sone and heire of lohn Cheverett, * leaf 220,
20 knyght, on that other partie : That is to sey, that where-as bac^
Pagane de Cadurcijs to the forseid1 Abbesse and Co vent and ander of
theirs monastorie graunted1 and yaf by his charter x. mark, of as t<Tpay-'
yerely rent which he was wonte to have of the forseid1 ser lohn ?a.ent of
his rent-
24 Cheverett, knyght, of dyuerse tenementis the which he held" of charge of
hym in Mayden Newnton), to be taken) of hym to ser Pagane ^ in\of *
and his heires in the maner of Hauyndon) where the same lohn iw and
and his heires the forsaid? rent sholct1 paye by his feffemente :
28 And afterward1 ser Patrik,of Cadurcijs, brother and heire of the
forsaid1 ser Pagane, by his charter, assigned1 the forseid1 Alexandre
and his heires and assignes and att other that sholct1 hold1
the forseid1 tenementis that in att wise to paye the forseid1 rent
32 to the forseid1 Abbesse and Couent and to there Monastery afor-
seid1, So that to them forthwith to aunswere of the seid1 rent.
And the forseid1 Abbesse, wtt^ one wille and assent of her Covent
126 Dorsetshire : Neivnton
aforseid; and in like wise of the assente of the forseid1 Alexandra,
assigned1 the forseid1 Alexandre and his heires and his assignes
a certeyne place, that is to sey, at their Maner of Eton) next
at Water- Criklade, to the payment of the forseid1 rent there euery yere at 4
manor near the termes to be made : So that the messanger that bryngith
rente thedir snatt nave there aft his" expenses, by the same
undertak- day and nyght, And more-over as longe as he abidith for the
tertain the acquytance. And also they promysed1, and bounden hem-self 8
person who an(j their house, to the forseid1 Alexandre and to his heires and
brings the
money, to his assigneis, that thei ayenst ait peple shaft acquyte and
save harmelesse the seid1 Alexandre and aft other of the rent
and pro- aforseid1, yf hit happith therfor to be vexed1 or troubled1. And 1 2
<Saiingno° a^so they sholcT not aske of the forseid Alexandre neither of his
'relief 'or heires nother of his assignes, neither Eelef nor other service,
other leudal °
service, saaf only the forseid1 rent fro yere in-to yere of x. marke. And
yf hit happe that ony of the heires of the forsaid? Alexandre or 16
of his assignes or the heires of theirs heires to be in the kepyng1
and agree- and warde of the Chief lordis of that fee, of the which they hold1
collect the or shall e hold1 the forseid1 tenementis by a knyght service, the
forsaide Abbesse and Couent, duryng1 the same kepyng1, of the 20
holder's hondes of theyme that shaft hold1 the seid1 tenementis, the seid1
rent snatt * resceive, So that the same heires whan that thei
minority, come to theire lawfuft age in no wise stonde bounden) or be
* loaf 221
distreyned1 for the arreragis therof, what-so-ever it be ; Saaf 24
whan they ben come to theire lawfuft age, afterward1 for them-
and Alex- self ben) bound1 to pay hit. And the forseid? Alexandre wolleth
Cheverell an<^ grauntith, for hym, his heires, and his assigneis, that aft the
s?,bie.cting other londes and tenementis that he holdith in Maiden Newnton) 28
all his
Maiden [be bound] to the forsaid1 Abbesse and Couent and to ther monas-
aforseid1, [for] the forseid1 yerely rent of x. mark, to be taken)
to distraint vere}y Of afj nis londis and tenementis aforseid1 for evermore atte
for said
rent- termes aforseid1, that is to sey, the one half therof atte fest of 32
seynt Migheft and that other half atte fest of the Annunciacion)
of our Lady at the forseid1 Maner of Eton) next Criklade, as it
is aforseid1. And yf hit happe that the forsaid1 Alexandre, .
or his heires, or his successours who-so-ever thei be, to faile 36
of the payment of the forseid1 rent, in parte or in aft, at
ony of the seid1 termes, than it shaft be lefuft to the forseid1
Abbesse and Couent them that so faileth for the arreragis
Dorsetshire : Newnton 127
therof in ail the forseicf tenementis and aft catalles that therin
may be founde resonably to distreyne, as hit was lefuft to the
forseid1 ser Pagane and to his heires and his assignes, yf the
4 rent aforseid1 thei held1 in their owne hondes. In witnesse
wherof the parties aforseid1 to this present writyng1, endented1
enterchaungeably, have sette to her scales. These beyng1 wit-
nesse: ser Robert of Meysy, ser Richard1 of Ryvers, ser lolin
8 Goolofure, ser lohn walrand1, ser william of Bluntesdon), knyghtis,
and many other.
[143*. Quitrents1 at Maiden Newton J
* Memorandum- the yere and Reyne of kyng hary the vijth * leaf 224.
after the Conquest the xj yere, of the Rent of Maydyn Newton
12 in dyuers parseft.
Hem : of thomas Frome for ij tenementys . . vs. vj d1. inexact
Item: the heyrys of lohn Chevereft for on tene- of the items
1 6 Item : Wyllyam Cosere for ij akers & iij rodys
, ...... T_ charge,
and on close . . . . . nj s. vnj oT.
Item : lolin Obley & Wyllyam Ed wardy s for 2 bo we
j lond for x acre of Arabyft lond callyd
20 Bordlond with pastur for a c schype . x s.
Item : Rychard Rowlond for v akers of Arabyft
lond with pastur for xl schip . vs.
Item : the same Rychard Rowlond for j close . iijs. iiij d1.
24 Item : lolin baker & Edward Baker bowe for on
tenement callyd bordlond with pastur
for cccc schep ..... Ixvi s. viij d1.
Item : for the Abbot of Cerym for a tenement £6 14*. id.
,8 callyd Bottreau . . xxxviij s. y <T.
The Summa of the nolle vj li. xiiij s. j d1.
ye most haue yt of my lord schuse and my lord storston) and the
abbott of seryn) 3, and ye may strayne on for aft, and aft for on),
32 the hoft sum vj li. xiij s. iiij d!, wyche Evydnese4 haue byn seyn,
xj yere of kyng hary the vij.
1 This scribbling is the last writing in 3 Possibly Zouch, Stourton, Cerne.
the MS. * Possibly = ' bothe for.' 4 evidences.
GLO UCESTERSHIEE
[BOURTON.]
[NOTE. — The witnesses to this deed (in the Exchequer MS.) are Adam, Walerand,
Jordan, and Walter, priests of Godstow ; Thomas, priest of Dalesforde ; Symon, of
Suelle ; Herebert, of Bradeuell ; Ralph, of Suelle ; William, of Bageherste. These,
according to custom, appear to be the clerics of the parishes Daylesford, Upper
Swell, Broadwell, and Lower Swell which are next Bourton-on-the-hill. Donning-
ton is a hamlet, somewhat to the north of Upper Swell and Broadwell. The bene-
faction seems later than Pope Celestine Ill's confirmation, 1192, and to have been
alienated before pope Nicholas IV's Taxatio, 1291.]
*leaf
XXVI or
37. About
1195.
Grant to
Godstow,
by William
of Donn-
ington, son
of John of
Bourton-
on-the-hill,
[Nun's
dower. ] of
53. 6d. quit-
rent out of
a yard-
land, sub-
ject to a
quit-rent to
Evesham
abbey, with
right of re-
version if
the direct
line of ten-
ants fail
[144.] * Chartur of William of Doninton of a yerdelonde
in Bourton.
THE sentence of this chartur is Ipai william of Doninton, J>e
sone of lohn of bourton, bi fe consente of his heiris, gaf &
grauntid1, & confirmicT wif> his chartur, to god & to j?e churche
of ou? ladi & of seinte lohn baptiste of Godestowe & to f>e min- 4
chons ]?e? seruinge god1, in-to pure fre & perpetuel almis, for ]>e
hel}>e of his sowle & of his wife & of his fadur & of his modur
& of his children, with his dowhter Isabel!, j. yerde of londe in
bourton, f>e -whiche Ipe heiris of wido his vncle helde as heire, of 8
f>e whiche thei sholde pay yerli to J>e fore-seicf minchons of
Godestowe v. shillings vj. <T, of whiche J>e fore-seid minchons
sholde pay oute yerli bi his hondis & his heiris to ]>e abbot of
Eynisham1 xviij. 6T, for all seruice Ipat longith to f>at londe; & 12
if hit falle pat f>e heiris of wido faile, Ipe fore-seide londe sholde
turne & abide fre & louse to \>Q churche of Godestowe, sauinge fe
fore-seide seruice of j?e abbot of Eynysham1. Also he & his
heiris sholde warantije to J>e fore-seide Minchons ]>e fore-seide 16
londe for euir : & is with-oute date.
1 The Latin has 'Euesham.'
Gloucestershire: Cheryngton 129
[CHEKRINGTON, AND CHAELTON in Tetbury Parish.]
[NOTE. — The document is incomplete, a leaf being lost. In the Latin Register
(Exchequer MS.) there is no mention of this estate. The gift is later than the 1291
valuation of pope Nicholas IV. In 1540 Godstow was receiving (Monast. iv. 375)
from it £i 145. from the customary tenants and £3 55. 8d. from the freeholds, and
paying out 6s. 8d. for the bailiffs fee.]
[145.] * A Charter of Annore, somtyme the wyf of * leaf 217,
Hugh Mortemere, confermyng1 to the mynchons of J^boiit
Godestow Cheryngton) and CharletonX isoo?
THE sentence of this Charter is, that Annore, somtyme the Grant to
wyf of ser hugh Mortymer, in her fre wedowhode and of her by Annore
owne wille and of her fre mariage, yaf, graunted1, and by her
4 present charter conformed1, to god and to our Lady seynt Marie Mortimer,
and to the chirche of Seynt lohn Baptist of Godestow and to
the holy mynchons ther servyng1 god, for the helthe of her soule
and of her lord? ser hugh Mortymere her husbond1, and for her Of her serfs,
8 fadirs and modirs soule and for the soules of aft her auncetows *^eir f&1^'1-
lies, and
and successours, Raaf, bondman), of Cumbe, and Gonnylde his their lands,
wyf, with aft theire sequele ; and Emme, wedow, of Cheryngton), Emma* P '
with aft her sequele ; and Roger, the sone of Aleyne, bondman), Roger,
12 and Alice his wyf, with aft ther sequele; and Walter, the sone Walter;
of Hulyn), bondman), and Godihold1 his wyf, with aft theire
sequele; and aft the rentis and service which william, the sone and of rent
of Helye, of Charleton), and Geffrey of Cheryngton), and Robert
1 6 of westrooppe, and Hugh Smyth of Charleton, and lohn EverarcT,
of Charleton), with-in the parissh of Tedbury, which to hym thei
ought and vsed1 to make ; with aft the londes of the bondmen),
with relefis, and heriettis, mariagis, Eschetis, and riaft services,
20 and with aft other rentis and thyngis which gone out or may
gone out of the forsaid1 loncF: To have and to hold1, to the for-
seicT mynchons of Godestowe, frely and quyetly, in pure and
perpetuel almes, with aft the forseicF bondmen and their tene-
24 mentis, and with aft the services of the fre tenauntis, and aft
other pertynentis, with-out any wetA-holdyng1.
[Leaf missing.]
Gloucestershire : 1" Daglingworthe
[DAGLINGWORTH.]
[NOTE. — The pension of 2s. paid by this church to Godstow is mentioned in
pope Nicholas IV's Taxatio, 1291, and was still paid at the dissolution, 1540 (Monast.
iv. 375)0
*leaf
XXVI or
37. About
1150.
Grant to
Godstow
by Ralph
Bloet, of
the ad vow-
son of the
church.
[146.] * Chartur of Raph bloet for the churche of
Daglingworthe.
THE sentence of this chartur is, J>at Raph bloet gaf, &
grauntid1, to god? & to ou? ladi & to seint lohn baptiste & to J?e
churche of Godestowe & to f>e holi minchons f>e? seruinge god1,
his churche of Daglingworth, wife aft his pertinences, into 4
perpetuel almis, for J»e helf>e of his sowle & of his predecessours,
freli.& quietli fro aft seculer seruice : & is with-oute date.
[NOTE.— Witnesses are Matthew, archdeacon of Gloucester (died 1177) ; Kobert of
Meisi ; Robert of Everci, &c.]
*leaf
XXVI or
37, back.
About
1150.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow,
by the
donor's
brother
Walter
Bloet,
of no. 146.
[147.] * Chartur of watur bloet confirminge j>e gyfte of
J?e churche of Dalingworfe.
THE sentence of Jns chartur is, Jmt watur bloet gaf &
grauntid1, & confirmid) with his writinge, to god1 & to fe 8
churche of GUI? ladi & of seint lohn baptiste of Godestow, &
to f>e minchons fe? seruinge god1, for J>e helfe of his sowle & of
his aunceturs & successurs, }>& gifte ]>e whiche sire Raph bloet,
his brother, made to hem & confirmid1 with his writinge, Also 12
the churche of Dalingworfe, with att his pertinens, in-to pu? &
perpetuel almis : & \>ai his graunt shold? be sure, he put to his
seele : & is wetA-oute date1.
About
1220.
donor's
nephew
[148.] Chartur of william bloet conflrminge fe same
gifte a-fore of the churche of Dalingworfe.
THE sentence of J>is chartur is, Ipat william bloet, for f>e sake 16
Confirma-
Godstow °^ cnai>ite & loue, for his owne hel}>e & for f e sowlis of his
by the auncetws & successours, grauntid1, & confermicT with his
writinge, to god & to Ipe church of ou? ladi and seint lohn
1 Witnesses : (the donor) Kalph Bloet, and Stephen of Silcestria.
Gloucestershire : If Daglingworthe 131
baptiste of Godestowe & to f>e minchons Ipere seruinge god1, j?e William
churche of Dalingworfe, with aft his pertinences, iri-to pure & no°ei46°
perpetuel almis, fre & quiete fro aft seculer seruice & exaccion,
4 as his vncles Eaph & waiter bloet gaf & grauntid1 & confirmicT
to f>e fore-seide rainchons, as he? charturs witnessin : & bat his
gifte & confinnacion sholde a-bide stable & firme, he put to
his seele to J?is present writinge : & is witA-oute date1.
[149.] *Confirmacion of Raph prior of wircetur general * leaf
vicari of Roger bisshopp of wircetur for }>e churche 38 About
of Dalingworthe. 1165-
8 THE sentence of this confirmacion is, fat whenne Raph, prior Confirma-
of wircetitr, kepid1 J>e stede of Roger, bisshoppe of wircetur, cJodstow,by
Raph bloet 2, knyht, grauntid & confirmid1, in pe presence of be
seid? prior & of mathewe, archedecun of gloucetur, to j?e abbas & by Kalph
12 to fe mynchons of seint lohn baptiste of Godestowe, J>e churche fora,eprior
of Dalingworth, in-to perpetuel almis, in J>e fuft chapitur of J>e of "Worces-
clerkes of cicetur : J>e same raph also, bi J»e autorite f>at he had, 89), vicar-
confirm icT to fe fore-seid1 churche, abbas, & minchons, f>e fore- f^er*
1 6 namid1 eifte, & strengthicT hit by be ordre of bis writinge, & bi bishop of
. . . , Worcester
settynge to of his seele; & is wetA-oute date. (1164-79), of
the advow-
son of the
church.
[150.] Conuencion I-made bitwene j>e churche of G-ode- About
stowe & lohn of Cundewille vppon J>e church of 1165-
Dalingworfe.
THIS was J>e conuencion bi-twene J>e churche of seint lohn Promise to
baptiste of Godestowe, & lohn of Cundeweft, clerke, vppon Ipe by John^'of
so churche of Dalingeworth : . fat f>e fore-seid1 lohn sholde haue to Cundeweli,
pension j. besaunt or ij. shillings yerli with-iu fe vtas of seint to pay
lohn baptiste, in the name of J?e fore-seid1 churche of Dalingworfe,
to be paicT at Godestowe : & to f>is couenaunt to be holde f e fore-
24 seioT lohn made an othe bodili in fe presens of f e Abbas & of
aft Ipe couent & of mony of>er feif ful merc., euin as he had made
1 Witnesses : ' Sir ' Simon of Hinton, due to some confusion caused by the fre-
Absalom of Stanton, Sir Kalph Harang, quent vacancies in the see, bishop Simon
Sir William of Sewekesworthe. dying in n£$; bishop John Pagham, in
3 The re-grant by the donor was possibly 1 157 ; and bishop Alfred, in 1 160.
K 2
mcesterskire : If Daglingworthe
and oath
of fealty to
Godstow.
*leaf
XXVI or
37, back.
About
1200.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow,
by Mau-
gere, bishop
of Worces-
ter (1199-
1212), of
no. 149.
[A gulden.]
* leaf 152,
back.
1225,April.
couenaunt a-fore bi-twene hem in the chapiter at cicetur, to pe
whiche oj>e were presente sir Raph, prior of wircetur, & maistur
petur, pe archedecun's official of pe same place. Also he did1
make p e ope of fewte, to be [true] to pe fore-seide churche of 4
Godestowe : & if hit fille J?at pe seid1 lohn wolde goo backe fro pe
fore-seide conuencion, Ipe abbas reseruid1 to her selfe, bi pe same
lohn consent inge, Ipe goinge a-geine to aft quareft pat she had
bi-fore a-geiniste him : & is with-oute date. g
[151.] *Chartur of Maunsel1 bisshoppe of wyrcetur
confirminge the same gifte of J>e churche of Daling-
worthe.
THE sentence of pis confirmacion [is], pat Mansel \ bisshope
of worcetur, willid1 & acceptid1 wilfulli pe gifte Ipai Raph bloet
made to pe church & to Ipe holi minchons of Godestowe of pe
churche of Dalingworfe, Ipe which Ipe seicT Raph grauntid1 to 12
hem, in-to pu? & perpetueft almis, & waiter bloet his broker
confirmid? to hem, as he had? sei bi he? charters : & J>is gifte
Raph, sumtime prior of wyrcetur, kepinge f>e stede of goode
william 2 sumtime bisshoppe of wircetur, Also confirmid1 hit to 16
hem : J?er-fore Ipat bis gifte myht bide firme & stable in time to
come, he decreid1, with pis present writinge, to confirme hit
vndur pe witnes of his seele, & willicT & ordeinid, bi the autorite
pat he was3 bisshoppe, pat pe fore-seid1 minchons sholde 20
take of pe fore-seide churche pe same pension fat J?ei we?
wonid1 to take in pe timis of his predecessours, p>at is to sei, j.
gilden or twei 4 shillings yerli, in pe feste of seint Mihel, to be
paid1 to hem, sauinge to him & to his successours pe ryht pat 24
longyth to pe bisshoppe 5.
[152.] *A fynatt acorde I-made bitwene William Bluet
and felice Abbesse of Godestowe for the avowry of
the chirch of dalyngworth.
Quit-claim THE sentence is p&t a fynal acorde was I-made, in the kynges
to Godstow, courte at westmynst<?r, fro the day of Ester into a monthe, the
1 In error. The Latin has ' Mauger.'
2 In error. The Latin has ' Roger, of
good memory, formerly bishop of Wor-
cester.'
3 Read ' had as.'
* The figures ' ii.' are written over the
word.
5 Witness : W. de Verdun, archdeacon
of Gloucester.
Gloucestershire : Daglyngworth 133
ix yere of the reigne of kyng1 henry the sone of kyng1 lohn, afore by William
martyn) of patishift, *Thomas of Muleton), Thomas Heydofi), f^f 153
Robert Lexynton), Geffrey Sauuage, and other trew men of the
4 kyngis there at that tyme beyng1 present, bitwene William of all title
Bluet1, axer, and Felice, Abbesse of Godestowe, deforce?, by advowson,
Absolon), Chapeleyn), I-put in her stede to gete or to lese, of the
Avowrye of the chirch of Dalyngworth, wherof hit was I-pleycT
8 bitwene ]?em in the same Courte : that is to sey, that the forsaicT
William [knowliched] the avowry of the said1 chircn to be the
right to the same Abbesse and to ther chirch of Godestowe, and
relesecf hit, and quyte-claymed1, of hym and of his heires, to the
1 2 same abbesse and abbessis the whicfi shold1 succede to her, and to in con-
her chirch of Godestowe for ever. And for this recognycion), of mention
relese, quyte-clayme, fyne, and acorde, the same Abbesse in
resceivecT the same William and his heires in aft benefetis and
16 prayers that shold1 be do afterward? in the chirche of Godestowe.
[153. Presentation by Godstow to the rectory of
Daglingworth.]
*Reuerendo in christo patri et domino domino Siluestro dei * leaf 223.
gracia "Wigorniensi episcopo, eius'ue vicario in spiritualibus May 25.
general!, vestre humiles et denote in christo filie, Isabella Better by
T> • • v . .. t .... Godstow.to
20 Joraynton, permissione dmina monasterij beaie marie virgims Silvester
et sancti iohannis baptiste de godstow abbatissa, et eiusdem
loci conventus ordinis gancti benedicti lincolniensis diocesis, Worcester
omnimodas obediencias et reuerencias tanto patri debitas cum
24 honore. Ad rectoriam ecclesie parochialis sancti iacobi de intimating
..... .. vacancy of
daglyngworthe dicte Wigorniensis diocesis, per resignacionem the rectory
Magistri Iohannis Wilcokes vltimi rectoris eiusdem vacantem, Of j0ehnu
et ad nostram presentacionem pleno iure spectantem cum WUcokes,
28 omnibus suis iuribus et pertinenciis vniuersis, Salua nobis annua claiming
. ,. . v, . , the yearly
pensione vnius bizancie vel duorum solidorum imra octauas pension
natiuitatis sancti iohannis baptiste, nomine predicte ecclesie de
Daglyngworth, apud Godstow predictaw per rectorem soluendo- and also
32 rum, ac eciam pensione quadam annua cuidam Magistro thome
heywode in decretis bacallario quondamque rectori ibidem,
. . . . Heywode,
videlicet, quadraginta solidorum ad duos amn terminos per Decret.
Bacc. , a
1 See no. 148. a ' vestro ' is written over ' eiu^' as a correction.
134
Gloucestershire : Daglyngworth
former
rector,
eundem rectorem predicto Magistro heywode soluendorum,
videlicet ad festa annunciacionis beate marie virginis et sancti
michaelis archangeli per equales porciones, omnimodo salua,
andpre- Dilectum nobis in christo Dominurn I. A. Capellanum vestre 4
JohnA. for reuerende paternitati intuitu caritatis presentamus Supplicantes
institution. humiliter et deuote quatenus predictum Dominum lohannem
ad rectoriam ecclesie parochialis de Daglyngworth sepedictcw
admittere velitis ipsumque rectorem in eadem canonice instituere 8
dignemini graciose Ceteraque peragere et facere que vestro in
hac parte incumbunt officio pastorali. Datum in domo nostra
capitulari sub sigillo nostro communi xxv die mensis maij Anno
domini MoCCCCCo ix°. 12
[Leaf 223, back, is blank.]
*leaf
XXVI or
37. About
1155.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Ralph
Bloet, of
the advow-
son of the
church.
* leaf
XXVI or
37, back.
About
1155.
Intimation
to John
Pagham,
bishop of
Worcester
(1151-1157),
of the gift
of the
advowson
to G-odstow.
[DUNTISBOBNE.]
[154.] *Chartur of Raph bloet for fe church of
dantesburne.
THE sentence of f is chartur is, fat .Raph bloet gaf, & graunticT,
to god1 & to ou? ladi & to seint lohn baptiste & to f e churche of
Godestowe & to f e holi minchons fere seruinge god1, he? churche
of dantesburne, with all his pertinens, in-to perpetuel almis, for 16
f e helf e of his sowle & of his pre*decessours, freli & quietli fro
aft secular seruice : & is we't/i-oute date \
[155.] Chartur of Raph bloet, of his modur, & brethryne,
to lohn bisshoppe of wicetur for f e monasteri of
Dancesburne 2.
THE sentence of f is chartur is, fat Kaph bloet, his modur, &
bref yrn, willid? to be knowe to lohn, bis&hoppe of wyrcetur, & 20
to his archedecuns & denis, fat f ei had1 grauntid1 f e monasterij
of Dantesburne s, to god1 & to ou? ladi & to seint lohn & to f e
couent of Godestowe, in-to perpetuel almis, f e whiche monasteri
was of his patronage & of his fee : furf ermore f ei pmeoT for f e 24
loue of god1 fat f0 fore-seide bisshoppe archedecuns & denis
1 Witnesses: Matthew, archdeacon of
Gloucester (died 1177), Robert of Meisi,
&c., and the chapter of Cirencester (Scir-
incestrie).
3 In the Latin (Exchequer MS.) ' Dag-
ling worth ' in the rubric, but ' Dantes-
burne ' in the text.
3 'monasteriumdeDantesburne.' Mona-
steri um = church.
Gloucestershire : Dantesburne 135
wold1 graunt f is, & commauncT to seysoime hem in hit, for f e [Nun's
fore-namid? Raph & his brethirn sette fere he? sistur1 to serue
god1 & seint lohn : & is wzt^-oute date.
[FRAMPTON ON SEVERN.]
[156.] *Chaunter l of waiter Clifford? of Framton for * leaf XL or
f e mille fere & a litil mede.
4 THE sentence of f is euidence is, fat waiter Clifford1 grauntid1 Grant to
& gafe, for fe helfe of his sowle & for f e sowlis of his wife by WaiTer
Margaret Clifford1 & of his dowhter Rosamunde & of er frendis &
predecessours, to f e churche of Godestowe & to f e minchons f e? 1190), in
8 seruinge god1, his mille of framton with alt his pertinences, & [a]
litil mede 2 Hinge vndur f e mille, fat is callid lechtun, in-to pui1
& perpetuel almis, freli & quietli fro alt exaccion & demaunde, anddaugh-
sauinge f e griste of his owne howsholde the which sholde be mond (died
12 quiet to him & to his heiris of fe tolne; & of3 his salte in ^°^6^
Whiche with alt f e pertinences, he grauntid1 & gafe also, in-to pu? (but ex-
& perpetuel almis, perpetuelli to be holde, as freli & quietli as
euer he helde hit whenne *f at he helde hit beste. This gifte
1 6 made he, with fe consent & assent of fe kinge & his heiris : & a meadow,
waiter Clifford1 f e yungu?, f e sone & heire of waiter Clifford? firmationof
a-fore-seide fe whiche made f is gifte, grauntid1 hit euin as his *ke salt-pit
fadur grauntid1 & gaf hit. Also he confirmid1 hit wiih his seele (no. 199).
20 for euir : & is wzt^-oute date. **e XLI
[157.] Chartur of waiter Clifford? for fe About 1180.
mille of framton euin be. same fat
is a-fore. donor's son, of no. 156.
[158.] Chartur of "Richard Clifford? for fe mille of About
framton.
THE sentence of fis chartur is, fatKic^aro7 Clifford1 grauntid1, Confirma-
& confirmid1, to god1 & to f e howse of Godestowe & to f e holi
minchons fere seruinge god1, fe mille of framton with alt his by Richard
24 pertinences, in-to pure & perpetuel almis. Furfermore he gaf & lord of
1 A slip for * charter.' Printed in 3 Omit ' of.' ' Et eciam salinam meam
Monast. iv. 366. in Wichia.'
2 ' quoddam pratellum.'
136
Gloucestershire : Framton
Frampton, graunticT to hem, in- to encresinge of his fadurs gifte, fe tolne of
seconcTson, fe griste of his lordeship & howse-holde of framton of all cornis,
of no. 156, noiii & fujjj fre & quj{. fro aft customs & exaccion secule?: &
and. grant
of the toll fat his gifte ancTgraunt miht be sure, he set to his seele : and 4
(exempted ., r -, ,
in no. 156). is wttA-owte date.
About
1195.
Duplicate
of no. 158.
1228.
Pope Gre-
gory IX's
commis-
sioners, in
the suit
made hy
the vicar of
Frampton,
appointed
1228, 6th
April,
exempt
Godstow
from pay-
ing tithes
of Framp-
ton mill,
by a papal
privilege.
[159.] Anofer acordinge to fe same, almoste worde
for worde.
[160.] Ageiniste J?e vicari of framton for ]>e tithis of
J?e mille fere.
THE sentence of fis euidence is, fat pope Gregori sende
a delegaci to f e priores of lanton & of seint Oswalde, & to fe
dene of Gloucetu?, of worcetu? diocese, fat fei sholde here 8
Stephin, vicari of Framton, plaine, & f e abbas, defendaunt,
vppoft tithis & of er thinges fat ]) e seide abbas & of er wrongin
him ; also ende hit lawfulli, aftur fat fei haue knowe f e cause
bitwene hem, appele sette a-side ; & fat Ipai, f>ei decreid? fat f ei 1 2
make hit sureli to be kept : witnes fat bin callicT & namicT, if
fei withdrawe hem for fauor drede or hateracT, fat fei be
constreinid? bi f e censure of f e churche, appele cesinge, to sei f e
trewthe : & if fei alt miht not be at f e doinge of f is, at f e leste 16
yet tweine sholde execute f is maundement : the date at rome,
at Seint petu?, fe viij idus of aprille, f e secunde yere of his
popehode. fe abbas of Godestowe & fe couent I-callicT a-fore
hem bi the autorite of fis maundement, whenne fat f e seide 20
vicare askid1 f e tithis of f e mille of framton bi f e commune
lawe in f e name of f e church of framton a-fore hem of f e fore-
seide abbas & couent fat fei sholde be assinicFto him ; f e contrari
parte seide ageine, fat fei were wrongefulli vexicTvppon fese 24
f inges,for asmuche as fei were I-prmilegicTspecialli of f e pope fat
fei sholde pai no tithis of here millis. Thus aft finges lawfulli
I-do, aftur fei hacFsei f e tenowre of f e foreseide pn'uileges, & con-
sidericTfat fei were wrongfulli I-calli6T& vexid1 bi lawe ageiniste 28
here prmileges for to pai f e tithis of here millis, & fat fei we?
exempte bi the auctorite of fe pope, fei assoilid1 hem fro fe fore-
seide impeticion for cause of he? prmilege & bi f e councell of
wise men ; & put f e vicari afore-seide, fat vexid? hem for f e fore- 32
seide tithis, to silence : & in-to witnes of fis fei put to here seelis.
Gloucestershire : Framton 137
[161. Title absent.] 1304,
July 20.
THE sentence of f>is endenture is, ]?at £>e xxxij. yere of f>e reine Grant by
of kinge Edwarde, vppon seint margaretes dai virgin, hit was ow'
a-cordid1 *bitwene J?e religius ladiis, dame AH} Gorges, bi f>e *leafXLI
4 grace of god1 abbas of Godestowe, & J?e couent of f e same place back.*
of Ipe on parte, & william of Framton, I-callicT carpinter, of Ipe to William,
olper : f>at is to sei, j?at J>e fore-seide abbas & couent gaf grauntid1 and his '
& toke to f>e seide william & to his heiris here mille of framton,
8 with alt his pertinences, seutis, & liberteis, to be had1 & to be
holde, to him & to his heiris, freli quietli & for riht heritage Quit-rent,
for euer, of f>e chife lordis of J>e fee, doinge to hem seruices 3<>s-yeary,
dewe Iperof & I-wonid1, painge J»erof yerli to £>e seide religius
12 ladijs xxx. shillings of siluer, }?at is to sei, at candelmasse, xv.
shillings, & at midsomwr, xv. shillings, for aft seruices & seculer
demaundis : & J?e fore-seide religius abbas & couent waranti^ect1
& defendicT to )?e fore-seide william & to his heiris or assinis j?e
16 fore-seide mille with alt his pertinence bi J?e fore-seid? seruices Obligation
of xxx. shillings: & if hit happinde Ipat f>e fore-seide william
cese in his paiment, in alt or in parte, or J?at )?e fore-seide to rebuild,
mille be drownid1, brennid1, or distruid1 bi defaute of amendinge by flood or
30 to be do here-aftur in oni wise, he bounde himselfe his heiris Lj^ilit ^
& alt his londis & tenements f>at he had1 or miht haue in J?e distraint.
towne of framton & in alt of>er places in f>e shire of Glowcetw
& also in all )?e sheres of Inglonde to f>e distressinge of fe
24 attornei of J>e seide religius women abbas & couent Ipat he miht
distresse & kepe the distressis or sille hem also ofte as hit is
cesid1 in J?e paiment of J>e seide rent, & J>at )?e fore-seide attornei
(f»e wiche Ipat ]>e seide religius women sende or make attornei bi
28 he? opin writinges) haue of J>e goodis of J>e seide william for
euiri distreininge I-made j halfe marke for he? harmis &
expenses. In-to witnes of f>is, J>ei put to f>is writinge endentid1
he? seelis, euirich a-geiniste olper : & is wiih-oute date.
[162.] Composicion I-made bitwene Robert flt^pagane 1312,
lorde of framton & ]>e abbas of Godestowe & fe AJ?ril4-
couent for xxx. shillings of yerli rente.
32 THE sentence of J>is composicion is f>is, f>at how william Confirma-
I-callid1 carpinter, of f>e towne of framton, gaf to Robert fitj Godstow, of
138
Gloucestershire : Framton
the quit-
rent (as in
no. 161), by
Robert son
of Pain,
lord of
Frampton,
on his ac-
quiring the
mill from
William,
carpenter.
Powers of
distraint.
pagane lorde of J>e same towne, & confirmicTbi his chartur of
feffinge, j watwr mille, wiih Ipe ponde, close, & pasture Hinge
Iper-io, & with J>e seute of grindinge, & alt ofyer pertinences, in
)?e fore-seide towne, to be had1 & to be holde, to him & to his 4
heiris or assinis as hit is fulli contined1 in his fore-seide chartur,
for Ipe whiche mille J?e same william a-fore was wonid1 to pai to
f>e ladi abbas and couent of Godestowe, he willicf to be knowe
Ipat he was I-bounde bi f>is present writinge for him-selfe & for 8
his heiris alt his maner of framtow, wiih his mille Iperwiih a-fore-
seide, to pai f>e xxx. shillings a-fore-seide of yerli rent * to Ipe fore-
seide abbas of Godestowe & to J?e couent of fe same place fro
ye? in-to yere, & for to kepe f>e fore-seide william harmeles he?- i a
aftwr for euir fro aft hurtes distreiniriges or greuis j?erof. In-to
witnes here-of his seele was hangicFto pis writinge. The date
at wode Eton, J>e iiij. dai of apHle, pe v. ye? of Ipe reine of kinge
Edwarde fe sone of kinge Edwarde. 16
* leaf 57,
back. A.D.
Chfnt to
Godstow, by
of Exeter(ii38-
55), of a pen-
sion of £i out
of St. Mary le
Crypt.
1289,
Oct. 8.
[Faith =
Oct. 6.]
Decision
binding the
[GLOUCESTER CITY.]
[i. Deeds referring to a pension2 out of St. Mary
le Crypt church.]
[163.] *A evidence of xl shillings of rent in Glouceter.
sentence of this euidence is, J?at Robert, by the grace
of God bysshop of exetur, jaf & grauntid to f>e holy mynchons
of Godestow xl. shillings irD-to perpetuel almys Jjerly, f>at is
to say, in owre lady church of Gloucetwr xx. shillings, and 20
in the church of faryndon xx shillings. These beyng1 wytnys
Stephyn, kynge of Inglonde; Theobald, Archebysshop of
Caunterbyry, & mony other. And is wet^-owte [date].
[164.] A pension of Seynt mary chirch of Glouceter.
THE sentence of this wrytyng [is], f-at in f>e church of seynte 24
Nicholas of glowcetwr, the satyrday next after J?e feste of seynte
Fyde vzrgine, The jere of owre lorde a thowsande two hundred
1 At the dissolution, 1540, Godstow wag 2 This pension was still paid to Godstow
still receiving £i los. from Frampton at the dissolution, 1540 (Monast. iv. 375).
mills.
Gloucestershire: Gloucetur 139
fowre score And nyne, A-fore f e official of wyrcetwr, whas parson of
a sentence diffinityf I-^ef, by-twene thabbesse and here Couent
of f e oon parte & syre Gregorye, person of seynte marye towarde to Pay
4 fe sowth of Gloucetwr, fat fe same gregorye & euerych & alle pension of
his successoures fat fore Ipe tyme helde f e sayde church were
I-bounde euery jere to f e payment of the sayde jerly pension ;
& also ofte as fey cesyd, fey to be compellyd to fat payment
8 by censure of fe church. And *to do this fe seyde gregorye, * leaf 58.
person of f e sayde church, agreyng1 to f e fore-sayde sentence n^)1^6,
diffinitif, leyng1 & takyngi the holy gospelys in his1 handis,
made a bodely vowe fat he wolde pay the foresayde pension
12 witA-owte oony dilacion to thabbesse & couente of Godestow
or to here procutowrs in the feste of seynte myjhel, Also longe
as he leuyd & had fat churcti.
[2. Grant by Robert of Everci.]
[165.] *A charter of Robert Euersy of j tofte of Boddis Heaf XLV
and a mansion to Godestowe. back/
About
THE sentence of this charter is, fat robert euersy, by the 1180.
16. [consent] of agas his wyfe & of his eyeris, jaf & grauntyd his Gk>dstow,
toft * of roddys, fat whas of turstane, Archedekun of glowcetw,
& A mansure or dwellyng1 place fat whas of robert Oisun, to of land out-
god &c. & to f e holy mynchons there seruyng god, in-to house in-
ao perpetuel almys, for fe helth of his sowle &c., frely & quietly.
The[se] beynge wytnys & cetera.
[166.] A Charter of f e przour of seynt Oswaldes of About
Gloucester of ij shillings & j ti of comyn).
THE sentence of this charter is, fat wylliam, by the mercy Perpetual
of god prior of seynt oswalde of glowcetw, & his successouris 3, Qodstow, to
24 & his couent, oft to pay ;erly, to thabbesse of Godestow & to St. Oswald's
Priory, of
here couent of the same place, for the londe wzt^-owte Eluen- no. 165,
gate of Gloucetwr, the wyche robert of euersy jaf to f e church
of Godestow, the which he helde of the sayde mynchons by subject to
28 charter, ij. shillings of sterlynges & j tj. of comyn at fe feste Of2«. and
1 MS. ' his his.' 3 This quit-rent seems lost before the
2 Latin ' virgultum.' dissolution.
140
Gloucestershire : Gloucetur
a lb. of of seynte biliary, & to fe kyng1 iiij. [shillings of] sterlynges for
Jan"?? to a^e seruice, exaccion & demaunde. In-to wytnys of the which,
and of"*' ^e 3a^° tne say^e niynchons this present charter I-maade sure by
to the king, the impreyntyng1 of his [seele]. These beyng1 wytnys & cetera. 4
*leaf
XL VI or
56, back.
About
1200.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Lau-
rence son of
Richard, of
land near
St. Nicholas
church.
[3. Land acquired from Laurence, son of Richard.]
[167.] A charter of laurence fit} Richard? of his loncT
in G-louceter.
THE sentence of this charter is, fat laurence n^t Richarde
fit} lordan of Glowcetwr, in the wey of charite & for the helth
of his sowle &c., 3af, graunted &c., in-to pure & perpetuel almys,
all fat londe fat his fadur Richarde fiijt lordan boujght of raph 8
pynel, the which lyeth by-twene the londe summe tyme of
thomas plecche & wyllyam hoyen, in f e grete strete afore the
churche of seynte nycholas, to be holde and to be had, welle
and in pece, Worschip fully frely quietly fro aft seculer 12
custome & exaccion ; And f e foresayde laurence fi}t Richarde
fi}t iordan & his eyeris warantijed to fe foresayde holy
mynchons the foresayde londe Agaynste alle men & women,
& Aquited the langabul : f ese beynge &c. And is wtt^-owte 16
date.
About
1200.
Grant by
Godstow, to
Laurence
son of
Richard,
of no. 1 68,
quit-rent,
5*. on
Jan. 13,
[168.] lulian abbesse of Godstow graunted? to laurence
fltz BicharoT, & cetera.
THE sentence of this euidence is, fat lulian, by the grace
of god abbesse of Godestow, & alle here couent, }af & grauntyd
& wi'tA, j?ere charter confermyd to laurence fijt Richarde fijt 20
lordan, for his homage & seruice, ]?ere londe fat j?ey had in
lpe town of Glowcetwr J?e which RicAard fijt Jordan fadur of
the foresayde laurence bought of Ranulph pynel, the which
lyeth by-twene f>e londe summetyme of thomas plecch & 24
wylliam hoyen in the grete strete a-fore the church of seynte
Nicholas, to be holde & to be for ryjht heritage, welle & in
peece, frely & quietly, payyng1 Iperof jerly to here & to here
successoures v shillings of syluer for aft seruice & custome 28
longyng- to them, \> at is to say, at fe feste of seynte hillary.
These beyng1 wytnys & is wtt^-owte date.
Gloucestershire: Gloucetur 141
[4. Lands acquired from Walter, the writer.]
[169.] *A Charter of Richard? Ticedwett made vnto *ieaf
Walter Scriptor, writer of the abbey of Gloucester, or 54.
of vj. acris lond and iij acris mede.
THE sentence of J?is chartur is, Ipat Richard1 Ticedwelt gaf, Sale to
graunticT, & confirmid1 with his writinge, to waiter scriptor
oferwise writer of Ipe abbei of Gloucetur, vj. acris of arable Richard
4 londe & iij. acris of mede, of his londe J?e whiche he hilde of 4 acres'
of f»e abbot & couent of Gloucetur: Ipat is to sei, iiij. acris ° an '
of arable londe towarde J?e kinges halt, J?e whiche turnin * to [The King's
be kinges hi wei, be whech Gladewine fuller hilde of him; Ha!LJ
Y , ^ , ' Y . . and 2 acres
8 & ij. acris at longeforde, tho tweine, Ipat is to sei, f>at lien of land,
bitwene f>e londe \>at waiter Grute hilde of him & f>e londe
of Raph auenel; & ij. acris of mede in waltham, tho tweine, and 2 acres
}>at is to sei, )?at lien bitwene )?e kinges mede & }) e abbottes of meadow>
1 2 mede of Gloucetur, & j acre of mede in londemede : to be and i acre
holde & to be had? ait J?o acris a-fore namicT, of him & of his ° °w>
heiris, to him & to his heiris for euer, for xij cT yerli to be
paide to him & to his heiris in too termis, half at estur & quit-rent,
1 6 half at mihelmas : & Hichard & his heiris waran^id? to J>e
fore-seide waiter & to his heiris & to whoni-so-euir he wolle
aftur him of J?e fore-seide acris ageiniste alt men, bi J>e fore-
seide seruice I-do, acq*uticT of alt seruices & seculer demaundis.
20 For this gifte & graunte, f>e fore-namicT walte? gaf to hkn Purchase-
a-fore-handis x. marke of sillier to acquite him of }?e luis of £6^4^.
Gloucetwr. And for as muche Ipat he wolde fat hit sholde Pebtto
be sure, he confirmide hit witft f>e impression of his seele : and Gloucester.]
24 is witA-oute date.
[170.] * A charter of Walter Scriptor Writer of vj. acris * leaf
of arable lond? & iij. acris of mede. 55. About
1210.
THE sentence of this writyng1 is, Ipat water scn'ptor or wryter Qrant to
5af graun[tyd] & ccwfermyd by his charter &c., as a-bove, syxe
acris of Arable loude & thre acris of mede, the which he helde the writer,'
28 by heritage of Richarde of tycedewelle, Ipat is to say, fowre °
1 Form for plural: cp. 142/1, 143/22.
142
Gloucestershire: Gloucetur
* leaf
1210.
Godstow,
superk)? of
the gift as
>§ I7°'
quit-rent,
IS-
* leaf
About
1210.
duniifateof
no. 171, the
tion to
Godstow,
* leaf
XLIIII
back.'
acris of arable londe the which turnyn vppon the kyngys hye
wey to be kynges halle of glowcetwr, & twey acris of arable
londe : & so forth, as his corateynyd be-fore I-wryte.
L1^!.] A Charter of Richard1 Ticede Welle of vj acris
lond? and iij acris of mede'
THE sentence of thys charter is Ipai Richarde Ticedewelle 4
grauntyd, & by thys present charter cowfermyd, to god & to
the churche of owre lady seynte marye & of seynte lohn
baptiste of Godestow & to }>Q mynchons J?ere seruyng1 god,
for tne nelth °f his 80wle & °f alle his auncetwrsJ syxe acres 8
Of arable londe & thre acris of mede : fat is for to say, fowre
acris of arable londe by the kynges hye wey towarde the kynges
halle of gloucetw ; & twey acris of arable londe at longeforde}
the whicfc lyen by-twen the londe of raph Auenel & the londe 12
fat water grute helde; & twey acres of mede \n Walham;
& oon acre in Londemede, the which acris aft water scriptor
ah'as wryter helde as eyere of me. Aft these acres he grauntid
& confermyd, to be holde & held of hym & of his eyeris, frely 16
& quietly for euer, in-to pure & perpetuel almys, for xij. cT
jerly to be payid to hym & to his eyeris for aft sendees &
seculer demaundis, in two termys, halfe at J>e annunciaciun
of owre lady & halfe at my^helmasse. And Richarde & his 20
eyeres warantijed to fe sayde howse of Godestow aft fe fore-
sayde agaynste aft men. And to make hit sure, he ccmfermyd
thys wrytyng by f>e settyng1 to of his seele.
[172.] *A Charter of Richard? Ticedewett made to the
mynchons of Godestow of vj acres lond? & iij of
mede.
THE sentence of YIS chartur is, Ipai Richarc? Ticedewelle 24
grauntid1, & confirmid1 bi his writinge, to god & to j?e churche
of ou? ladi & of seint lohn Baptiste of Godestowe & to }?e
mincnons fer seruinge god1, for fe helfe of his soule & of
all his aunceturs, vj acris of arable londe & iij. of mede : 28
. ..... . „ 111 ii«-i i • i_ • •
f8'* 1S ^° Bel) inJ acris °^ arable londe bi pe kinges hi wei
towarde fe kinges haft of Gloucetwr, & ij acris of * the
whiche gladewyne fuller helde of hym ; & twey acris at lonke-
Gloucestershire: Gloucetur 143
forde, fo, \>ai is for to say, fat lyen by-twene fe londe fat
water grute helde of hym & f e londe of raph auenel ; & twey
acris of mede in Walham, tho, fat is for to say, the whicfi
4 lyen by-twen f e kynges mede & f abbot of glowcetwrs mede ;
& oon acre of mede in londemede : to be holde & to be had
of hym & of his eyeris for euer, for xij 6T jerly to be payid
to hym & to his eyeres in too termis, halfe at estur & halfe
8 at myhelmasse. And the sayde richarde & his eyeris waranti3ed
to fe foresayde water & to alle his eyeris, agaynste aft men; and then
& aquited hym of aft seruices & wordely demaundis. For
fys jyfte & graunte, fe fore-namyd water jaf to hym be-fore
i a handys x. marke of syluer to quite hym of the luys of gloucetwr.
The whycn for-asmuch ]>at he wolde haue hit sure, he confermyd
hit by settyng1 of his seele. Wytnyssys mony beyng present.
[173.] A charter of William Cherchedeii) and Edith About
his wyf [of] vj acris lond1 & iij of mede. 1210'
THE sentence of this charter is fat wylliam cherchesdon, Confirma-
16 with thassent & wylle of edithe his wyfe & of his dowghter Godstow
& of Richarde ticedewelle his eyere, conformed to god & to
Ipe churche of owre lady seynte marye & of seynt lohn baptiste wells heirs,
& to J?e mynchons of Godestow fere seruyng1 god, for the helth firmation,"
20 of his sowle & of aft his auncetwrs, vi. acris of arable londe as in
. no> *7!»
& thre acris of mede: of the whiche fowre acris of londe
arable lyen at f>e kynges halle of glowcetwr & twrnen vppon
the kynges hye wey, and twey acris at longeforde by twene
24 the londe Ipat whas of raph Auenel * & J?e londe J»at water *ieaf XLV
grute helde, And tweyne Acris of mede lyen in Waleham, or 55'
& j acre of mede lyeth in landemede : the which aft acris
water scre'ptor or wryter by heritage helde of richarde tyce-
28 deweft, fadwr of the foresayde edithe his wyfe, & jaf hit to
fe foresayde mynchons in-to perpetuel almys. And j?e same
richarde cowfermyd hit to fe same mynchons by his charter,
to be had & to be holde, alle J>e foresayde acres, of hym &
32 of his eyeris, in-to pure & perpetuel almys, ^eldyng1 to hym subject to
& to his eyeris 3erly xij 6T in two termys of the jere, halfe
at J?e annuwciacuw of owre lady & J>e olper halfe at myjhelmasse,
for aft seruices sewtes exaccions & seculer demaundis. And
144 Gloucestershire : Oloucetur
wylliam & his eyeris waran^ed to f>e foresayde mynchons
Alt be foresayde acris agaynste alt mew & women for euer:
& Aquited of alle seruices & exaccions bat were in that tyme
or myght chaunse afterwarde. And for this confe'rinacion the 4
on payment foresayde mynchons of Godestow }af to hym oon marke Ipat
of a Seas' *s to say X"J shillings iiij d1 to his grete nede & tweyn
ure of cronockes * of corne, oon Ipat is to say of wete & anober of rye.
of a meas- In-to wytnys of this thyng1, he toke J>ys present wrytyng1 to 8
ure of rye. kem I-seelyd with his seele. Mony wytnys beyng1 present.
About [174.] A charter of amphelice abbesse of Godestow
of vj acris and iij acris.
Perpetual THE sentence of this charter is, that amphelice, by the grace
Godstow.to °f g°d Abbesse of godestow, & )?e covent of the same, with
St Oswald's consent & assent of alle the chapitre, for vs & alle owre 12
priory, of
the lands successoures grauntyd to ]>e pn'or of seynte oswalde of glow-
inlSepre- wtur, & to f>e covente of the same place, & to alle Ipere
ceding successouris, syxe acres of arable londe &c. as in the charters
condition Afore, to be holde & to be had, of here & of here successoures, 16
to nym & *° ^^s successouris, frely & quietly for euer, jeldyng1
Godstow, t0 nere ^ to here successouris 3erly x shillings* at the feste
Jan. 13, of seynt hillary, And to wylliam of chirchesdouw & to edithe
rent of i«" to n^s wyfe & t° here eyeris xij. 6T of sterlynges at two termys 20
the feudal of ^he jergj j,af; [B to say, at Ipe Annunciaciuw of owre lady
vj. 6T & at my^helmasse vj d1, for alt seruices & demaundis as
they were wonyd & oftyd to pay. Fur)?ermore f>e fore-sayde
prior & chanouns & fere successouris scholde jef to Ipe forsayde 24
and a fine abbesse & mynchons iij. shillings of sterlynges for a peyne,
ply^ieltbe wt't/*-owte Agayne-saying, if they cese in oony ty*me of
in arrears, the paying1 of here rente. In-to wytnys of the which thyng1,
or 55, they maade bytwene them A wrytyng in the maner of A 38
back. charter, Of whiche the sayde mynchons token to f e fore-sayde
chanouns oon perte I-selyd with f>e sele of there churcli, &
they a3enwarde toke to fe fore namyd mynchons J?e same
charter I-selyd with Ipere sele. These beynge wytnys &c. 32
1 In the Latin 'duos cronocos bladi.' a This quit-rent of los. was still paid at
See crannoclc in New Engl. Diet. the dissolution in 1540 (Monast. iv. 375).
Gloucestershire: Gloucetur 145
[5. Land given by Richard of the cellar.]
("175.1 *Emma abbesse of Godestow grauntecT to lohn * leaf
_. , 0 XL vi or
Blunt & cetera. 56j baok.
THE sentence of this charter is, Ipat dame Emme hluet, hy 1260!
the grace of god Abhesse of Godestow, And f>e couent of Ipe Grant by
same place, with oon assent & consent, ^af grauntid & confermyd to John '
4 hy wrytyng to lohn blunt, burgeys of Glowcetwr, A grounde
in glowcetwr with howsys byldynges & wit h aft pertinences, houses
Ipat is to say, Ipat londe Ipai Richard of f>e celer1 of glowcetitr
;af them in-to pure & perpetuel almys, & Ipat londe lyeth in
8 Ebrugestre[te] of glowcetwr, bytwene J>e londe of the fore-
sayde lohn blunt & Ipe londe summetyme of lohn ferur, to street«
be had & to be holde with aft his pertinency to J?e sayde
lohn blunte & to his eyeris or his assynys, frely quietly vtterly
12 & hole for euer, paying1 fere-of jerly viij shillings of sterlynges2, on payment
}?at is to say, at my^helmasse iiij. shillings & at f>e feste of rent^sl,
owre lady in marche iiij. shillings, for alle seruice, exaccion
& demaunde f>at my3ht chaunse to them & to f>e successoures
1 6 for f>e sayde londe. Also J?e same lohn & his eyeres or his and per.
*Assynys scholde do to Ipe chef lordes of f»«t fee aft seruice fonnance
\>ai longyd to them of fat londe. And f>e foresayde mynchons XLVII or
of Godestow & J>ere successoures waranti3ed & defendid to 57<
20 \> e sayde lohn blunte and to his eyeres or to his assynys alle feudal ser-
f>e foresayde londe with his pertinences for euer. And if J?e
foresayde rente be not payid in the termys Aforesayde, hit holding.
scholde be lawfuft to f>e fore-sayde mynchons & to \>er& sue- distraint.
24 cessouris, wtt^-owte oony Agayne-saying1 of Ipe sayde lohn
blunte & of his eyeris or assynys, by there baillifs, what-so-euer
f>ey be, to distreyne&nyme vpponallefe tenement of the foresayde
lohn blunte in the towne of Glowcetwr tylle f>e foresayde rente
28 be fully I-payid. And Ipat Ipjs writyng1 scholde be sure & stable
for euer, both partyes maade hit stronge by puttyng1 to Ipere seelys,
euerych to of er. J?ese beyng1 wytnys &c. And is wit-owte date.
[~176.~j Mabil abbesse of Godestow viij. shillings of rent. About
1289
THE sentence of this charter is, J>at dame mabile Wafre, by Grant by
32 the grace of god Abbesse of Godestow, & fe covent of the same Godstow.to
1 This benefactor has not been mentioned elsewhere.
2 MS. ' of stf r\y of sterlynges.'
L
Richard of
the garden,
of the quit-
rent in no.
'75,
for6a.
yearly.
Power of
distraint.
Gloucestershire : Gloucetur
place, by the commune assente & consente, $af, grauntid, & by
there wrytyng1 confermyd, to Richarde, burgeys of Glowcetur,
viij shillings of jerly rente in Ebruggestrete, f>e which lohn
blunte burgeis of Glowcet?/r whas in certeyn termys to paye to 4
them, to be had & to be holde to }>e sayde Richard of Gardeyne
& to his eyeris or assynys, frely &c. for ever, paying1 there of
3erly yj shillings of sterlynges, Ipat is to say, at myjhelmasse
iij shillings And at Ipe feste of owre lady in niarche iij shillings, 8
for aft seruice, exaccion & seculer demaunde. And fe sayde
mynchons of Godestow & J>ere successoures warantijed &
defendid for euer to Ipe foresayde Richarde of Gardeyne, to his
eyeris or assynys, the foresayde viij. shillings of jerly rente 12
Agaynste Aft men levyng*. And if f>e fore-sayde rente in the
foresayde termys were not payid, htt scholde be lefuft to them
& to )?ere successoures, witA-owte oony agayne-saying1 or lettyng1
of the sayde Richard of Gardeyne, his eyeris, or of his assynys, 16
by there baillifs, what-so-euer Ipej be, to distreyne & to nyme
vppon alle j?e tenement of Ipe foresayde Richard of gardyne of
Glowcetwr, tyl f>e foresayde rente be fully payid. And Ipat f>ys
present writyng scholde be sure for euer, the bothe partyes 20
a-seelyd euerych to of>er in Ipe maner of A charter, these beyng1
wytnys : & is wz'tA owte date.
*leaf
XLVor
55, back.
1289,
Aug. 1 6.
Sale to
Godstow,
by John of
Pershore,
of property
near the
South Gate,
and Smith
street,
[6. Houses and quit-rents bought with dame
Rose la moyne's money.]
[177.] * A evidence of lohri of pershore all londis &
tmewentis in Gloucestre.
THE sentence of this euidence is, J?at lohn of pershore,
burgeis of glowcetw, 3af, grauntid, & confermyd by his charter, 2^
in-to pure & perpetuel almys, to Ipe religious women lady is
abbesse & mynchons to god &c., alle loncles & alle tenementes &
alle jerly rentes Ipat he hadde or myght haue in Ipe grete place
towarde Ipe sowthjate of glowcetwr, the wyche londes & tene- 28
mentes lyen & been by-twen Ipe londe J>at whas sumtyme of
water Cramich & fe smythys strete thorowgh Ipe which me[n go]
to fe casteft fro Ipe grete place; Also A voyde grounde, the
which strecchyth hit selfe towarde the sayde smythys strete : 32
Gloucestershire : Gloucetur 147
to be holde & to be had, with aft f>ere pertinences, of hym &
of his eyeris or his assynys, to J?e fore-sayde religiouse women
& to fere successoures, frely, quietly, purely & vtterly, welle
4 hole & pesybly for euer, paying1 there-of jerly to hym & to his
eyeris or to his assynys oon rose At }>e feste of seynte John quit-rents,
baptiste at Glowcetur in the sayde tenementes or in oon of the
sayde tenements whenne fey been conueniently requisityd or lord>
8 Axid, & to lp abbot of seynt petur of Glowcetwr ij. shillings, 29. to St.
& to J»e churche of seynte oolde * in the same towne ij. shillings,
for aft seruices, customs, seculer sewtes, exaccions & demaundis. as. to St.
And j?e fore-sayde lohn perschore his eyeris or his assynys church.
12 scholde waranti3e to f>e fore-myndyd religiouse women, & to
Ipere successoures, J?e 2 fore-sayde londes, tenementes, jerly rentes,
& grow[n]de, wiih alle J?ere pertinences, Agaynste aft dedly
men & women, and Aquite of f»e Arrerages of f>e sayde tene-
16 mentis if Iper were oony, & defende * for euer, for J?e foresayde * leaf
seruice. Furfermore for J>e jyfte, graunte, & confirmacion of his 5Q or
charter, fe sayde abbesse and mynchons }af to hym by-fore
handis fowre & twenty marke of syluer, I-jefe & assynyd 3 to J?e Purchase-
so sayde religiouse women of a nowble- woman, dame royse la J1°6ney'
moyne I-callyd, to fe more plentyfutt susteynyng1 of the sayde given by
monastery in tyme comyngi And \ai his jyfte, graunte, & itTmoyne?6
confermyng1 of his charter, my^ht haue strength for euer, he
24 maade sure this wrytyng by the impreyntyng1 of his seeie. These
beyng1 wytnys &c. Date & doyng1, at Glowcetwr the nexte rAsgum
tywysday after })e feste of the Assumpcion of owre lady, The tion of
jere of fe reyne of kyng1 Edwarde f>e seventenyth. Aug. 15.]
[178.] A quyte-clayme of Agnes the wyf of lohne 1301,
pershore of j mese, iii. shoppis and v shillings vj 67. Septf "'
28 THE sentence of this charter is, J>at Agnes f)e wyfe suwtyme Sale to
of lohn perschore, burgeys of Glowcetitr, beyng1 in pure wydew- by A^nes
hode & in here own lawfutt powere, grauntyd, remitted, & widow of
vtterly quyte-claymyd, for here & for here eyeris, to Ipe religiouse Pershore,
32 women abbesse & holy mynchons of the monasterye of seynte
1 At the dissolution Goclstow was still obtain exemption from attendance at his
paying these quit-rents to St. Peter's abbey, court (Monast. iv. 375).
and to St. Aldate's church, as also a quit- a MS. \er.
rent of 28. to the sheriff of Gloucester to 3 & assynyd, in margin.
L 2
148
of her
interest in
3 shops,
and 5«. 6d.
of quit-
rent,
and quit-
claim of all
title in her
deceased
husband's
property,
as in no.
177.
Purchase-
money, £5.
Gloucestershire : Gloucetur
lohn baptiste of Godestow, alle here ryjlit & clayme Ipat sche
had or in ony wyse myjht haue in oon Mese, thre shoppis, fyfe
shelyngworth and syx penys of 3erly rente, with f e pertinences,
in glowcetw : and also in alle & in eueryche of er londys & 4
tenemewtes f e which f e same Abbesse & holy mynchons had of
Ipe jyfte & levyng1 of f e foresayde lohn sumtyme here husbonde
in the same towne of Glowcetwr, as hit is cowteyned of feoffement
I-maade thereof to f e same religiouse women, so fat nof er sche, 8
nofer here eyeris, ne none olper for here or by here, myjht
afterwarde axe or clayme ony thyng1 of ryjht or clayme in the
foresayde mese, shoppis, and rentes, or in oony of er londys and
tenementes Aforesayde. For Ipe which grauntyng1, relesyng1, & 12
quite-claymyng1, f e foresayde Abbesse & holy mynchons jaf to
here A hundred shelynges of sterlynges be-fore handys. In-t.o
wytnys of the which thyng1 of quyte-claymyng', sche put to here
sele. These beyng- wytnys &c. The Date, At Glowcetwr, fe 16
two & twentyith day of septembre, The nyne and twenty jere of
the reyne of kyng Edwarde the sone of kyng1 harry.
1306,
Dec. 4.
Licence
in mort-
main by
Edward I,
pardoning
a breach of
the Statute
of Mort-
main,
and re-
leasing no.
178 to
Godstow.
* leaf
XL VI or
56, back.
[170.] A charter of kyng Edward? of I mese iii. shoppis
in Gloucestre by lycence.
THE sentence of this charter is, J?at edwarde, by the grace of
god kyng1 of Inglonde &c. : know ye Ipat, by the fyne Ipat owre 20
welle-belouyd in) cryste abbesse of Godestow maade with vs, we
haue I-perdonyd to Ipe same abbesse & to Ipe mynchons of the
same place }>e transgression )?at fey dyd in) getyng to hem & to
here successoures in fee oon mese & thre schoppis with ]>er 24
pertinences in glowcetwr, of agnes, sumtyme Ipe wyfe of lohn
pershore of Glowcetwr, after Ipe publyschyng1 of vs I-maade of
londys and tenementes not to be put to morte-mayne & of the
entryng1 of them witA.-owte owre licence & lefe, the whiche mese 28
& shoppis for be cause of there transgression were take in-to
owre hande; And whe haue grauntid to Ipe same abbesse &
mynchons, for vs & owre eyeris also muche as is in) vs, Ipat fat
mese shoppis & pertinences fey haue agayne, & holde to them 32
& to fere successoures, of the chef lordis of that fee, by seruices
dew & customyd * there-of for euer, with-owte occasion or lettyng1
of vs or of owre eyeris, Justices, escheters, vndursh[r]euys, or
Gloucestershire: Gloucetur 149
ofer ballyfs or mynysters what-so-euer they be, owre fore-sayde
statute notwythstandyng1. In-to wytnys of this thyng1 we
maade owre letters patentee to be maade. Myne owne selfe
4 beyng1 wytnys at lanrecost, the iiij. day of december, the
xxxv. jere of owre reyne.
[180.] *Margarete abbesse & cetera to hugfc Coke a * leaf
corner tenement & cetera. 57.
1386,
THE sentence of this endenture is, fat Merget Mounteney,
Abbasse of Godestow, & f e covent of fe same place, toke, Godstow,
8 grauntid, & lete, tohugh Coke of Wircetw, burgeis of Gloucetwr, J?0^of a
alle fere cornere tenement, by f e smytbys strete of Gloucetw of portion of
f e oon parte & f e tenement fat William Straddett late helde
of them & sytth Gylbert Chauntreft helde of f e of er parte, to
12 be had & to be holde, to same hugh, eyeris, & his assynys, to fe
terme of thre score & ten jere fully complete, paying1 fere-of onabuild-
jerly to hem & to here successouris xij. d! of lawfuft money at J>e JJ^ ^years,
feste of owre lady of J?e annuTiciaciun, jeldyng1 also & doyng1 for quit-rent
1 6 them & Ipere successoures to J?e chef lordys * and to att oj>er att
seruices & bordennys f ere-of dew & I-wonyd. And J?e fore-
sayde hugh his eyeris & assynys scholde make oon competente
howse newe fere, with his own costes & expensis, vfith-m fe
20 5ere nexte folowyng1 after fe date now presente. And also after
fat hit is so I-bylde, thei scholde susteyne hit with fere own
costes duryng1 f e foresayde terme, & fey scholde also lefe hit in f e
ende of f e foresay[de] terme in competente state. Also fat hit Under
24 scholde not be lawful! to f e foresayde hugh, his eyeris, and
assynys, to lete to oony man the foresayde tenantry ne no perte let without
of hit witA-owte speciatt licence of f e foresayde abbesse, of here
Couente, & successoures. And if hit hap fat f e foresayde rente be
28 by-hynde, in parte or in alle, after oony afore-sayde terme by
a moneth, fat fen hit scholde be lawfutt to f e fore-sayde abbesse
& Couente & to fere successoures to distreyne in fe sayde
tenement & reteyne f e sayde distreynynges tyl fat hit be fully Powers of
32 satisfied to fern of f e foresayde rente & f e arrerages of hit. distralnt'
And if hit happen f e fore-sayde to be by-hynde, in parte or in
alle, after oony A-fore sayde terme by a hole jere, or waste be
made in the sayde tenement, or fat he bylde not f e howse (as bit
150
Gloucestershire : Gloucetur
and re-
entry.
is set before) with-in be sayde terme, or lete owte the foresayde
tenement or oony parceft of hit agaynste J> e forme aforesayde,
]>at fro f>at tyme hit scho]de be lawfuft to J>e fore-sayde Abbesse
& Couente & to Ipere successoures to entre agayne in the sayde 4
tenement with his pertinences And to holde hit to them selfe for
euer, this letyng1 owte or dimission not-wythstandyng1. And f e
sayde Abbesse &c. warantijed f>e sayde tenement &c., vndwr
fe forme aforesayde. In-to wytnys there-of they set to J»ys 8
wrytyng the commune seele, and he his seele. The date at
Godestow, in there chapitre, f>e tywysday nexte the feste of f>e
Annunciaciun of owre lady, the nyneth jere of1 f>e reyne of
Richarde j?e secunde After ]>e conqweste.
12
[MEYSEY-HAMPTON.]
[NOTE. — In the deeds themselves we have simply ' Hampton.' The more precise
indication of locality comes in the dissolution survey, 1540, when Godstow is put
down (M onast. .iv. 374) as receiving £1 135. yearly from Cricklade, Chal worth, Ufcot,
and Meysey-Hampton. The Meysey-Hampton land was held by a small quit-rent,
which would naturally be collected by the nearest Godstow centre; in this case
Cricklade in Wiltshire.]
* leaf Lor
60. About
1280.
Sale to
John of the
woodhyde,
by Robert
Senle,
* leaf 60,
back.
for £4, of
a messuage
and lands,
[exceptis
viris
religiosis et
ludaeis.J
[181.] * A Charter of Robert Senle of Hamptor).
THE sentence of this chartir is, that Robert Senle of hampton),
by the assent and wille of Isabelle his wyf, yaf, graunted1, and
conformed1 with his owne charter, to lohn the sone of John of the
\vodehyde, for vj. * marke of siluer the which he yaf before 16
handes att his loncP in HamptofD, wt'tft a mese and aft his
pertinentis, to be had1 and to be hold1, of ser Richard; lorde of
Hampton), and of his heires or assignes, to the saicT lohn, and to
his heires, or to his assignes who-so-ever they be, and to everich 20
or whom-so-euer he willed1 to yeve, selle, bequeth, or lay hit to
wedde, alt the forsaid1 loncT, -with aft his pertinentis, or in any
other wise assigne hit, also wele in sikenesse as in helth, out-
take hit be to Religious men or lewis, also frely quyetly pesibly 24
and holy as Robert aforsaid1 held1 the same lond1 most best and
most frely of the saide Richard1 Marschalt lord1 of hampton),
paiyng1 therfor yerely to the same Richard1 and to his heires
1 MS. 'of of.'
Gloucestershire: Hampton 151
v. shillings at ij. termes of the yere, that is to sey, at Mighelmas subject to
half and at our lady of the Annunciacioiw the other half, for all rent^
seruice, custome, exaccion) and demaund1, Savyng1 the kynges and to a
4 seruice and of the chief lord1 also moche as longeth to suche a fre scutage,
tenauntry in the same towne of hampton). Also the same
Robert Senle ordeyned1 and graunted1 to the same lohn, to his and to
heires, and to his assignes, aft the forsaid1 lond? and aft that fald^JLbert
8 longeth therto. Also he graunted1 to the same John resonable fnd^od0^
necessaries of the frutes of the said1 lond1, also longe as he lived1, for his life-
in metis and drynkes and in howses of the forsaicT lond1, to-gedir
with hym and Isabelle his wyf also longe as they lived1. And for-
1 2 asmoche as he wolcTthat hit sholcT be sure and stable for ever, he
sette his scale to this writyng1. These beyng1 witnesse, & cetera.
[182.] * A Carter of Roger Meysy of HamptoB. * leaf
THE sentence of this evidence is, that Roger of Meysy yaf 59, back.
and graunted1 to the hous of Godestow the rent of a lond1 that ££$$
16 was of Ace, into pure and perpetuel almesse, to be hold1 of hym Grant to
and of his heires, frely and quyetly for aft service (save the by^ogerof
kyngis service) for hym and his predecessours, that is to sey, Meysey, of
one mese, and one crofte, and vj. acres in the feld1 of west and over a mes-
20 vj. acres in the feld1 of Est, and an acre of mede, the which held1 JJ£g and
the forsaid1 Ace, and, to the encrese, an acre of lond1 at Battas
yerely to sewe, and a parte of an acre in Flexland1, and a pond1
of a stew to the brede of the forsaid1 crofte, and iiij. bestes and with pas-
24 an hors and xxx. shepe * in 1 cowimone pasture with his men. *Ui^af1|J ^
Also he and his heires graunted1 and willed1 that Nicholas, 60'
seruant of the recluse of hampton), and his heires, shold1 have gation to
and hold1 this yifte in the fredom) I-graunted1 to them), for
28 ij. shillings yerely to be paid? to the forsaid hous in the fest of yearly.
the birthe of Seynt lohn Baptist. These beyng^ witnesse, & cetera, cluse^f
Hampton.]
[183.] A covenaunt I-made bitwene the abbesse of About
Godestow and her mynchons and Rafl Bullol^ of 1350?
hampton) for the hold? of vij. acres with a mese and
a tofte and a crofte and an acre of mede in the towne
of hampton).
THE sentence of this covenaunt, bitwene the abbesse and Grant by
mynchons of Godestow and Raaf Bullok, of Hampton), is this : Kalph
1 Comon) of Pastu^, in margin.
Bullock, of
no. 182, for
his life-
term,
quit-rent
4$. yearly.
Purchase-
money, £i.
About
1380?
Grant by
Godstow,
to William
Bullock,
son of
Ralph,
of the pro-
perty de-
scribed in
no. 182, for
life-term,
quit- rent,
58. and suit
to Water-
eaton
court,
Purchase-
money, £i.
Gloucestershire : Hampton
that the foresaid1 Raf shold1 hold1 of the hous of Godestow, also
longe as he liveth, vij. acres of lond1 wiih a mese tofte and
crofte and one acre of mede in the towne of hampton), that is
to sey, the same which somtyme Nicholas, the seruant of the 4
Recluse of Hampton), bought of Roger Meysy, paiynge yerely to
the hous of Godstow iiij. shillings at the natiuite of seynt lohn
Baptist for aft seruicis, custumes, and demaundis. And for this
accorde the forsaid1 Raf yaf to the hous of Godestow xx. shillings. 8
And that this covenaunt shold1 be sure and stable also longe as
the forsaid1 Raf lived1, bothe perties labored1 to make hit sure by
the puttyng1 to of theire seles. These beyng1 witnesse, & cetera.
[184.] A covenaunt I-made bitwene the Abbesse and
mynchons of Godestow and William the sone of
Raf Bullok^of HamptonX
THE sentence of this evidence is, that there was a covenant 12
I-made, bitwene the Abbesse and Mynchons of Godestow of the
one partie and william the son) of Raf Bullok, of hampton) of
the other partie, that the forsaide * william shold1 holde of the
house of Godestow, also longe as he lived1, vij. acres of lonoTwitA 16
a mese tofte and crofte and an acre of mede in the towne of
hampton), that is to sey, tho the which somtyme Nicholas, the
seruant of the Recluse of hampton), bought of Roger Meysy,
paiyng1 therfor yerely to the house of Godestow v. shillings, that 20
is to sey, at the Natiuite of Seyut lohn Baptist, makyng1 suteto
the courte of Eton) at the wille of the abbesse or of her baillifes,
as other tenantes of the same abbesse. And for this covenant
the forsaid1 william yaf to the hous of Godstow xx. shillings. 24
And that this covenaunt, also longe as the forsaide william liveth,
be ferme sure and stable, Bothe parties labored1 to make hit sure
by the puttyng1 to of her scales. These beyng1 witnes, & cetera.
[PATJNTLEY.]
* Chartur of "Richard Clifford? for fe mille of
pantisleye.
*leafXLI [185.]
or 51,
back.
1185. THE sentence of f»is chartur is, fat RicAard Clifford1, wiih f>e 28
* leaf consent and * assent of his fadur waiter Clifford1 & of his brother
1 M ark thys dede, in margin.
Gloucestershire: Pantislei 153
waiter Clifford? f>e yungere, grauntid1 & gaf, freli & quietli, in-to XLII or
perpetuel alrais, to god1 & to owre ladi & to J?e churche of seint Grant to
lohn baptiste of Godestowe & to the holi ininchons ]>e^ seruinge
4 god1, for )?e helbe of his sowle & of his bro)?<?r Rog^r & of att his of Clifford,
predecessours, xx. shillings of his mille vndur1 J>e carri of charg^on
pauntislei, yerli to be paid1 bi him bi two termis, \>ai is to sei, the miu-
in f>e annunciacion of owre ladi, x. shillings & at mihelmas,
8 x. shillings. Thei made bis gifte to f>e churche of Godestowe,
& presentid1 vppon f e aute? : & is wft/i-oute date.
[NOTE. — There is no other notice of this gift. Among the witnesses were Henry
de OH ; Godfrey, abbot of Egnesham (Einsham) ; and Nigel, dean of Oxford,
circ. 1185-1200 (Exchequer MS. leaf 44, back).]
[LITTLE RISSINGTON.]
[NOTE. — Godstow had acquired a hide in Kissington prior to pope Eugenius Ill's
confirmation (no. 901) in 1145. In 1291, at pope Nicholas IV's Taxatio Ecclesiastica,
Godstow held 5^ yardlands there, i. e. a hide and i| yardlands, valued at £2 a year.
At the dissolution, 1540, this estate is put down as yielding (Monast. iv. 375) £2 rent
paid by the farmer, and £10 quit-rent paid by the duke of Norfolk. The outgoings
were 2s. for a Ib. of pepper and 4^. for a Ib. of cumin to the duke of Norfolk ; 4^. to
the bailiff of Wallingford honour, and also 135. 4^. for the bailiffs fee.]
[* RlSINDONE. * Ex-
chequer
186. Charter of Robert of Teyden. J^; leaf
About
EOBBET of Teyden, with consent of his wife Agatha, of his 1180.
heirs Henry and Warin, and of his son-in-law Robert of Dode-
1 2 well, for the health of the souls of himself, his wife, his heirs, *>y Robert
and his predecessors, gave to Godstow half a hide and half of half aU'
a yardland in Rysenden, but without the attached crofts (instead
of which he gave, of his demesne land, double), and also granted land,
16 that the nuns' beasts (viz. oxen, sheep, and pigs) should go in
the pastures and elsewhere with his own without challenge 2.
This gift was presented on the altar so that the Lord's curse Anathema
might rest on whoever violated it. violators.
20 Witnesses : — Reginald, chaplain of Abingdon ; and Theod
Thorn, cleric.]
1 ' Subtus carriam de Pantesleia.'
3 ' Sine calumnia ' : i.e. without being impounded by the bailiff of the manor.
154
* Ex-
chequer
MS.
leaf 139.
About
1180.
Grant to
Godstow,by
Henry of
Teyden,
[Nun's
dower.]
of land,
meadow,
and rights
of pasture j
and con-
firmation
of no. 186.
* leaf 139,
back.
*Bawl.
MS.
leaf 156.
About
1220.
Grant to
Agnes
Medecrofte,
by Eobert
Nether-
cote, of a
yardland
(held by
quit-rent
to the chief
lord of i Ib.
of pepper,
and sou-
tage),
but without
the mes-
suage of the
Gloucestershire: Rysyndon
[187. * Charter of Henry son of Kobert of Tayden.
HENRY, son of Eobert of Tayden, for the souls of his father
and mother and for his own soul and his wife Beatrice's soul
and his heirs' souls, gave to Godstow, with his daughter Agatha
who became a nun in Godstow, lands in his town of Rysindon 4
of his demesne land, viz. (a) in one field, ' en at hulle/ 1 1 acres,
and 'at1 the ashen causey/ 10 acres ; (b) in another field, land
called Ten-acre, and another land called Three-acre, and land
called Pilehulle ; and (c) a meadow called Wytheryndeham ; 8
and (d) the meadow of a yardland in common with the mead of
the town as the lot will give; (e) with all freedoms, so that the
oxen, sheep, and pigs of Godstow may feed over all his demesne
where his own oxen, sheep, and pigs go, but 2 be excluded from 1 2
the crops, and from the meadow which shall be in defence from
Annunciation of St. Mary (March 25) till the meadows be
mowed and the hay carried.
Also he confirms his father's gift of a half-hide and a half- 16
yardland.
* Witnesses : — . . . 3 de Chistetuna, and Hugh of Chuiller-
villa, knights.]
[188.] * A Charter of Eobert fit} Eobert Nethercote
corafermyng' the same.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Robert fit} Robert ao
Nether cote, by f>e wille and peticion) of Sibile his wyf and of
her4 heire, yaf, & cetera, to Anneys the doughter of Richard1
[of] Medecrofte one yerd1 lond1 in Rysyndon), that is to sey, half
of that hide the which Richard1 Wythorn) held1, the which half 24
hide he held15 of his lord1 henry of Tyden), by the seruyce of j. li.
of peper and the seruyce of the kyng*: To be had1 and to be
holcf, by right heritage, of hym and of his heires, to her and to
her heires or to whom-so-euer or where-so-euer she wold? assigne 28
hit, other in Religion) or els-where, frely and quyetly fro alt
seruyce, Ryaft and other, and all seculere exaccion) perteynyng1
to hym and to his heires, wit^ all his pertynentis, in medis,
fedynges, in londis and in herbis, and in all easementis, except e 32
1 Latin is 'ad fraxinum cawlsi.'
2 Latin is < extra segetes et pratum.'
3 Christian name absent.
4 Read ' his.'
5 Read ' holds.'
Gloucestershire: Eysyndon 155
the mese of the same half hide of lond1 that he held1 aft to hym- half hide;
self, yeldyngi therof yerely to hym and to his heires j. li. of JS^811*'
Comyn) at Estir. And for this graunte yifte and confermyng' JJJ^of ilb
4 of this charter, the forsaid1 Anneys yaf to hym before handis of cumin
vj. mart, of siluer, And to Sibile his wyf xij. 6T. And he and his purohase-
heires warantijed1 aft the forsaid1 lond1 to the forsaid1 Anneys and ^Jy»
to her heires or to whom-so-euer she wold1 assigne hit, other to
8 Religion), other to ellis-where, ayenst aft men and women ; and
aquyted1 of aft sutes, that is to sey, of shire and hundred1 and of
ridyng1, vttirly, and of aft greves. And yf hit happened1 that he
myght not warantije that yerd1 of londe, he and his heires shold1
12 yeve into eschaunge so mocft of also good1 lond1 and I-streight in
also good1 a place, some-where in his heritage, to the for said1 Anneys
and to her heires, as hit hatft be said1. And fat }>is, & cetera.
* Bx-
[189. * Charter of Henry of Teyden. chequer
MS. leaf
HENEY of Teyden, as chief lord, confirms to Agnes, daughter 139, back.
16 of Richard of Medcroft, the yardland with its pertinences in ^QO^*
Rysyndon Basseth, which Robert the son of Robert of Nether- Confirma-
cote, his man, gave to her, as the charter] * of * the same Agnes of
Robert the which he made to the same Anneys vpon) the same
20 londe witnessith. And he nother his heires shold? never take MS.
wedde of the forsaide Anneys or of her assignes, nother byftHe 'of
sesyn) the lond1 of the same, for the defaute of the same Teyden, of
Robert hir2 man, or for wttAholdyng1 of the rente or seruyce,
24 aft the while that they myght fynde ony thyng1 vpon the lond1
the which she 2 held1 of hym. And that this graunte, & cetera. ^1c^ase"
And for this confirmacion) the forsaid? Anneys yaf j marke 6s. 8d.
of siluer. These beyng< witnesse, & cetera.
[190.] A Charter of Robert Slouther, I-made to the About
mynchons of Godestow, for a mese with his per- 1210'
tynentis and vj. shillings of yerely rente.
28 THE sentence of this charter is, that Robert Slouther3 yaf, & Sale to God-
stow fov
cetera, to god & cetera, and to the mynchons of Godestowe there Robert of
1 The English register resumes after other lands of Robert of Nethercote are
a lost leaf. able to meet them.
a Kead 'his,' 'he.' The overlord pro- 3 'Robert de Slouhtre' in the Latin.
mises not to seek satisfaction from these Upper and Lower Slaughter lie north-west
lands, for feudal claims, as long as the of the Rissingtons. See no. 883.
156
Slouther,
of a mes-
suage and
rent-charge
on a yard-
land, with
reversion
of the yard-
land (no.
188).
* leaf 156,
back.
Quit-rent
i Ib. of
pepper,
and scu-
Purchase-
money,
£6 6s. Sd.
Gloucestershire : Rysyndon
seruyng1 god and to serue for ever, a mese, with his pertynentis,
that Robert Garland1 held1 of hym in the town) of Rysyndon) ; and
vj. shillings of rente yerely, the which he was I-wonycT to take
of Robert * Marissh at ij. termes, that is to sey, at Mighelmasse 4
iij. shillings and at Ester iij shillings, for j yercT of lond} with
his pertynentis, the which he held1 of hym to his lyf 2 in the
towne of Rysyndon), of the fee of henry [of] Teyden), the which
yerde lond1 longith to the forsaid1 mese that the forsaid1 Robert 8
Garlond1 held1 of hym, that is to sey, that the forsaid1 yerd1 lond1,
with the pertynentis, after the deoesse of the forsaid1 Robert of
Marissh, shold1 abide for euer holy and fully to the said1 myn-
chons of Godestow into ther propir vsis: To be had? and, to be i a
hold1, to the said1 * rnynchons or to ther assignes, of hym and his
heires, wele and in pease, frely and quyetly, holy and fully for
euer, in wode in pleyne in weyes and pathes and in pasturis and
in aft placis, with aft fredoms and fre customes longyng1 to the 16
same londe, yeldyng1 therof yerely j \\bra of pepir to hym and to
his heires at the fest of Seynt Thomas the appostle, for aft
seruyce, exaccion), sute, custome, and demaunde perteynyng1 to
hym or to his heires, Savyng1 the kyngis seruyce also moch as 20
longith to so moche3. And Robert of Slouthre and his heires
waranti3ecT and defended1 the forsaid1 mese, with the pertynentis*
and the said1 vj. shillings of Rente (also longe as Robert of
marissh levicF), And (after the dethe of the same) the said1 yerde 24
of lond1 with his pertynentis, vnto the owne vsis of the said1
mynchons or to ther assignes. And for this yifte, & cetera, the
forsaid1 mynchons of Godestowe yaf to hym ix. marke of siluer
into waryson) 4, And to Sibille his wyf half a marke. And that 28
this his yifte, & cetera.
About
1230.
[191.] A Charter of William le Prane of RysyndoS), I-
made to the mynchons of Godestowe, for j rode of
lond; and pasture and mede liyng1 therto, in the
felde of liteH B-ysyndorS), & cetera.
THE sentence of this charter is, that William Frane of litel
Exchange
Godstow Rysyndon) yaf, & cetera, to the Abbesse and Couent of Gode-
1 Robert of the marsh/ in the Latin.
3 i. e. in life-rent.
3 i.e. as much money as falls to be paid
by so much land. * in gersumma.
Gloucestershire: Rysyndon 157
stowe and to ther successours, j rode of loncF, with pasture and and
mede liyng1 to, in the feld1 of litett Rysyndon), in a place that Frane, of
is I-called? Walterislake : To be hold1 and to be had1, to the for- land- '
4 said1 Abbesse and Couent and to ther successours, frely, quyetly
and pesiblely, holy and worshipfully, into an eschaunge for
j half acre of lond? in the feld1 of Rysyndon), as the charter wit-
nessith the whiche J?e said1 abbesse and couent made to hym.
8 And William Frane aforsaid1 and his heires waranti^jed1 and
defended1 the forsaid1 Rode of lond1, with mede and pasture
liyng to, to the forsaid? Abbesse and Couente and to there
successours for ever, ayenst ait men. And for this eschaunge,
12 & cetera.
[192.] A Couenaunte I-made bitwene the Abbesse of About
Godestowe And SymoncT Nethercote for a service, 130° ?
& cetera.
THE sentence of this covenaunte, I-made bitwene the Abbesse Agreement
and Couent of Godestowe of the one partie, and ser Symond? Godstow
of Nethercote of the olper partie, was, that the said1 Abbesse
16 shold1 withdraw her speche * the which she hadde ayenst the Nether-
said1 Symond1 afore the kyngis Justice at Westmynster, So that Godstow
the forsaid1 Symond1 shold1 be with-out harmes. And for this sla^} ,dr°P
suit begun
wttAdrawyng1, J>e said1 Symond1 and his heires shold1 acquyte for against sir
20 ever the forsaid1 Abbesse and Couente of Godestowe, of a seruyce vided he^as
'
that Robert Brus2 and Peter asrugge asked of the same 3 in the
towne of Rysyndon), And he shold1 be a mene 4 bitwene hem for Godstow
this aquytyng!, after that the charter of ther auncetours wit- feudal
24 nessen). And yf hit so happened1 that the forsaid1 Symond1 or duties-
his heires myght breke 5 the forsaid1 seruyce, the Abbesse and
Couent shold1 paye half of the costis of them. Into witnesse,
& cetera.
1 Latin ' loquela,' i. e. law-plea. 5 i.e. if Sir Simon is able to get it
2 ' le Brua ' and ' de Asrugge.' annulled by a suit at law, Godstow will
3 i.e. of Godstow. pay half-costs of the suit.
4 Latin is ' sicut medii.'
Gloucestershire : If Thormerton
[TORMARTON.]
[NOTE. — This rent-charge presents some difficulty. It is mentioned in Henry II's
third charter (no. 886), 1182, and in pope Celestine Ill's charter (no. 902), 1192 :
but it does not occur in pope Nicholas IV's Taxatio Ecclesiastica, 1291, and therefore
seems lost or alienated before that date.]
* leaf XV
or 27.
About
1180.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Nicholas
Muton,
[Nun's
dower.]
of a rent-
charge.
[193.] * Chartur of Nicholas muton1 of ij. sendees2 of
rent.
THE sentence of thys chartur is that Nicholas muton) &
Marye hys wyfe, with consent of hys heyrys, gafe & grauntyde
in-to perpetuaft almys, to god & to ou? lady & to seynt John
baptiste & to b® churche of Godestowe & to the mynchons ]>ere 4
seruynge god, ij. shelynge worthe of rent in thormerton with
he? dowhter alij, yerly to be payde att whytsontyde, of a yerde
londe be whyche Bobert cheppe helde : these beynge wytnes &
cetera : and is with-out date. 8
[194. * Charter of Philip of Muton.
PHILIP of Muton, and his wife Ysoulde, for the health of
their souls gave to Godstow 2s. sterling yearly rent, which
they were wont to receive from Sir Nicholas of Muton, so that
Godstow might have it from Hugh pincerna, a free tenant, half- i a
* Ex-
chequer
MS. leaf
185.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow,
by Philip
of Muton,
as overlord, yearly at Whitsuntide and Easter3.]
of no. 193. *
*Rawl.
MS.
leaf XV
or 27.
1255,
June.
Decision in
favour of
Godstow,
against
Hugh
Boteler,
[195.] * A finaH concorde I-made of the rent of
thormerton.
THYS was ]>Q finaft concorde I-made in f>e kynges cowrt at
Glowcetur fro trmite soneday in-to thre wokes, lpe ye? of the
reyne of kynge henry, lp6 sone of kynge lohn, xxxix, a-fore lohn 16
abbot of peturborowe, Mastur Symond? wauton, Eobert of
shotyndon, Nicholas hanlo, and lohn Caue, Justices iurnayinge,
& olper trewe men of \>Q kynges ]>ere beyng1 present, by-twene
Emme, abbas of Godestowe, playnynge, by william of vpton 20
I-put in he? stede to gete or to lese. & hugh butuler of thor-
1 ' de Muthona ' in the Latin.
2 The Latin is 'duas solidatas'; from
which soudte would be a French derivative,
cp. sou.
8 No doubt in error for Martinmas.
Gloucestershire : ^ Thormerton 159
merton, defender, of xxx. shillings ]>Q whych were by-hynde to
J?e same abbas of a yerly rent of ij. shillings f>e whyche he owyd
to hyr, and whe?-of hyt was I-pleid by-twene hem in the same
4 court, J?at is to say, f>at f e same hugh butuler made a
recogniscion & grauntyd, for hym-selfe & for hys heyrys, that for pay-
they forth-fore warde sholde pay euery yere to the seyde abbas,
& to o\>er abbasses succedynge hy?, & he? churche of Godestowe, of 3S-
8 ij. shillings at two for my s, that is to sey, half at Marty n-masse
& Ipai ofyer halfe at wytsonetyde : & fur)w-more the same hugh and
gafe to fe fore-seyde abbas xxx. shillings for hys arreragys : &
for thys recognicion, graunt, gyfte, fyne, & a-corde, f>e fore-seyde
12 abbas relesyd & claymyd-quite to f>e fore-seyde hugh alt f>e Godstow
harmys of here-selfe & of he? churche, ])Q whyche harmys she
seyde f>[at] she had by J>e occasion of J?6 witAholdynge of the
fore-seyde rent vn-to the day of f>e a-corde I-made ; and yf hyt
16 happy n Ipai f>e fore-seyde hugh or hys heyrys fayle in f>e paynge
of the fore-seyct rent at ony tmne, hyt sholde be welt lefult to but reserv-
lpe same abbas & abbasses olper succedynge to her, & to he? WC
churche a-foreseyde, to dystreyne hem by the catatt in }>« tene- traint-
20 ment Ipat lpe same hugh helde of \>Q heyrys of phylyp of muton
in thormerton f>e day Ipat J?e a-corde waa I-made & I-founde, to
full payment of J>e seyde rent foreuer.
[196.] *A fynatt accorde I-made bitwene Emme, *leafi5i,
abbesse of Godestowe, and hugh Boteler of Thor- back'
1255,June.
mertofi), & cetera.
THE sentence of this writyng1 is, that ther was a fynalt Duplicate
24 accorde I-made, in the kyngis courte at Gloucester, fro the day
of the holy Trynyte into thre wokis, xxxix **. yere of the reigne
of kyng1 henry the sone of kynge lohn, afore lohn, abbot of wording.
Petir-borough ; maister Symond1 Wauton) ; Robert Shotyndon) ;
28 Nicholas hanle ; and lohn kaue, lusticis lurneyng1, and olper
trew men of the kyng1 ther beyng1 present, bitwene Emme,
abbesse of Godestowe, playner, by walkelyn) of vpton) I-sette in
her stede to wyfD or to lese, And hugh Boteler of Thormerton),
32 deforces, of xxx. shillings, the which were behynde to the same
Abbesse of yerely rente of ij. shillings that he owed1 to her, And
wherof hit was I-pleted1 bitwene them in the same courte : }?at
160
Gloucestershire : Thormerton
is to sey, that the forsaid1 hugh knowlechecT and graunted1 for
hym and his heires that they afterward1 shold1 yelde euery yere,
to the said? abbesse and to other abbessis that shold1 succede to
her and to her chirch of Godestowe, ij. shillings at ij. tmnes, 4
that is to sey, at Martynmasse and the other half at Whit-
sontyde. And furthermore the same hugh yaf to the forsaid?
leaf 152. abbesse xxx. shillings for his arreragis. * And for this know-
lechyng1, graunte, yifte, fyne, and accorde, the Abbesse aforseicT 8
remitted1 and quyte-claymecT of her and her chirch aforsaid? to
the forseid1 hugh aft harmes that she had1 by the occasion) of the
witAholdyng1 of the forsaicT rente vnto the day that }?at accorde
was I-made. And yf hit happened1 that the forsaid1 hugh or 12
his heires failed1 in the payment of the forsaid1 rente at ony
terme, hit shold? be wele lawful! to the same Abbesse, and to
other abbesses that shold? succede to her, and to her chirch afor-
saicT, to distreyne them by ther catatt (in the tenement that the 16
same hugh held1 of the heires of Philip Mutton), in Thormerton),
the day that the accorde was I-made) I-founde, vnto the full
payment of the forsaid? rente for ever.
[WlCHE.]
* Ex-
chequer
MS. leaf
184, back.
About
1170.
Grant to
Margaret of
Clifford, by
Osbert son
of Hugh, of
a salt-pit.
[197.
* Of the salt-pit in Wiche which is called
Cow.
OSBEKT son of Hugh gave to Margaret of Clifford, wife of 20
Sir Walter of Clifford, a salt-pit in Wiche which is called
Cow * belonging to his manor of Wichebold. She gave for this
a silver cup to said Osbert, and another cup to Hugh his son
and heir. 24
With the consent of the king and of Osbert, Margaret gave
this to Godstow.
Witnesses : — Walter Clifford and his son Richard and daughter
Lucy, William of Eaton, William of Sireburn.] 28
* Exchequer
MS. leaf 152,
back. About
1170.
Confirmation
to Margaret
[198. * Charter of Hugh of Sey.
I confirm to Margaret, wife of Walter of Clifford, the
' salina ' in Wiche which is called ' vacca,' which she had
of the gift of my lord Osbert son of Hugh.
1 i. e. Cow-wich, as Droitwich, Nantwich.
Gloucestershire : Wiche 161
Witnesses : Walter of Clifford and his son Walter ; Ralph of Clifford, by
of Chenier; my wife Lucy; Helyas, steward of Walter f X^8* °f
of Clifford.] in no- '97-
[199. * Charter of Walter of Clifford, senior. * Exchequer
MS. leaf 152,
4 I GIVE to Godstow my ' salina ' in Wiche, which Hethewolf booit 1180.
held and after him John. Grant to God-
Witnesses : — Walter, my son ; Osbert, son of Hugh ; Hugh terof Clifford",
of Sai ; William of Clifford.] of no- '97-
[200. * Charter ' of Osbert, son of Hugh, of a ' salina ' * Exche-
in Wiche. £?«»•
About
8 I GIVE to Godstow my ' salina' in Wichia which is called 1180.
' vacca,' which belongs to my manor of Wichebolt, on the peti- tion to^
tion of Sir Walter of Clifford and for the welfare of the souls {
of his wife Margaret and his daughter Kosemunde whose bodies son of
1 2 are there buried, and with the assent of king Henry. overlord8 of
Witnesses :— Walter of Clifford, with his son Richard and no- '97, and
no. 199.
daughter Lucy ; William of Heton ; William of Sireburn, with
his sons Walter and Elias.]
[201. * Charter of Walter de Clifford, junior. * Exchequer
1 6 I CONFIKM to Godstow the 'salina' in Wiche which is About 1180.
called ' vacca,' given them by Osbert, son of Hugh.
Witnesses :— Walter of Clifford senior ; Hugh of Sey ; Lucy by Walter of
* a ,» • 1 V j-ni. •' • -i Clifford junior,
oi Sey ; Kalpn ot Chenier. J of no. 199.
1 Printed in Monast. iv. 366.
162
HAMPSHIRE
[EMPSHOTT.]
[NOTE. — At the dissolution, 1540, the property in this parish was paying Godstow
quit-rents amounting to only $s. a year (Monctst. iv. 375).]
* Ex-
chequer
MS. leaf
64, back.
About
1170.
[Nuns'
dower.]
Grant to
of Venu3,
of land.
[*DE IMBESET.
202. Charter of William de Venuj 1 and his wife Alis.
SAID "William and Alice gave to Godstow, with two daughters
to be made nuns, all the land they had in Himbeset, free of all
service save that of the king.
Witnesses : — Reginald, priest ; Walter of Venu} and Peter 4
his son.]
*leafLil [203.] * A Charter of William of Venu^ of iiij. mark
About that he borowe&of the chirch of Godestow to agayrD-
H70. by his lond? of hymbeset that he yaf to the said1
chirch the which iiij. mark^ he shold1 paye ayene
x. yere.
Acknow-
ledgement
to Godstow,
by William
of Venn? ,
of a loan of
£2 13*. 4<Z.
[Thomas
Becket.]
THE sentence of this charter is, that william of venuj
borowed? iiij. markj of siluer of the chirche of Godestow, by the
handes of Osecunde 2, abbesse, to bye his lond1 of Hymbeset the 8
which he yaf to the forsaid1 chirch. And the forsaid1 william
borowed1 the forsaid1 iiij. marl^, the same yere that the strif was
bitwene kyng1 henry the second? and the Cardenales that were
I-sent fro Rome to reconsile Thomas the Archebisshop^ wiih i
the forsaide kyng1. And the forsaid1 william sholcf pay the
forsaid1 iiij. mark^witAyn x. yere after the forsaid1 terme, or his
heires yf he died1. These beyng1 witnesse, & cetera.
1 Letters indistinct : « Venus' or 'Venns.'
9 Possibly 'E. secunde.' The Latin
has in one line ' manu E * and the next
line begins * secunde abbatisse.' In any
case this is an abbess new to the list of
Abbesses.
Hampshire: Hymbeset 163
1 204.1 A confirmacicm) of a mark of Kent by lohn About
of Venu3. mo-
THE sentence of this confirmacion) is, that lohn of Venuj for Confirma-
the helth of his sowle and of his auncetours and successours,
graunted1, and cowfermed1 with his writyng1, to god and to oure by Jolin of
4 lady seynt mary and to seynt lohn Baptist of Godestow and to of rent-
the Abbesse and covent there servyng1 god, a marke of rent, the jjj^f^y
which william his grauntsire alias Belesire yaf to hem : to be his grand-
hold1 and I-had1, to the same Abbesse and to the forsaid? covent, William,
8 of hym and of his heires, into pure and perpetuel almesse,
takyng therof yerely of Gilbert of dene and of his heires at the
Natiuite of Seynt lohn Baptist viij. shillings iiij. ct! for the viz. 8s. 4^.
tenauntry that the forsaid1 Gilbert of dene held1 of hym in the shott"**
12 towne of hymbeset, and takyng1 of hym-self and of his heires
yerely at Mighelmasse v. shillings in the towne of werdlehain. and 5* in
And hit is to be knowe that he and his heires shold1 warantije to
the forsaid1 Abbesse and covent the forsaide marke of rent
1 6 agaynst aft men. And that his confirmacion) shold1 be stable and
sure, he sette his scale to this present writyng. These beyng1
witnesse, & cetera.
[205.] A charter of Richard? of Dene of Hymbeset of About
a relese that he made to Emme Abbesse of G-ode- 1253<
stow and to the covent of the same of the lond? of
the Breche in the towne of Hymbeset.
THE sentence of this evidence is this, that Richard1 of dene Quit-claim
ao relesecT and quyte-claymed1, of hym and of his heires, to Emme, bySchard
Abbesse of Godestow, and to the Covent of the same and of Dean,
to theire successours, aft his right and clayme that he had1 or
myght have in1 the vowry of the warantijyng1 the which he ofawar-
24 vowed1 to the forsaid1 Abbesse of the lond1 of the breche in the lands in
town of hymbeset, the whiche warantised1 Thomas of dene the
whiche 2 held1 no lond1 of hym and therof was he 8 impleyde ; and
of his lond1 of Hogton he waranti^ed to the same Thomas; elsewhere,
1 In the Latin: 'in dotacione warancie 2 'The whiche' = who.
quam waranciam vocavi versus praedictam 3 i.e. Thomas, ' et inde implacitatus
abbatissatn.' fuit.'
M 2
164
Hampshire : Hymbeset
Godstow and for this relesse and quyte clayme the forsaid1 abbesse yaf to
\d. kvm yiij- mark, of siluer. Into the witnesse of that he put to
this writyng1 his scale. These beyng1 witnesse 1, & cetera.
* leaf Lil [206.] * A Charter of the fynatt accorde bitwene Richard1
tick.' °f Eene and Emme abbesse of Godestowe for the
1253, July. lond: of the Breche.
Quit-claim
by Richard'
of Dean,
of land in
Empshott,
[-two-
thirds.]
THE sentence of this fynatt [accord] is this, that there was 4
I-made acorde in the kyng^s Court at "Westmynster, fro the day
of Seynt lohn Baptist into xv. dayes, in the yere of the reigne
of kyng1 Henry the sone of kyng^ lohn xxxvij, afore Roger of
Turkelby, Alayn) of Watsand1, Gyles of Erdyngton), and william 8
Trusseft, Justices, and other trew liege men of the kyngis there
beyng1 present, bitwene Richard1 of dene and dame Emme,
Abbesse of Godestowe, for the lond1 of the breche, the whiche
Richard1 of dene vowed1 to waran^yng1 and the which waran^ed 12
to he? of two parties of half a yerde lond1 with the pertynentis
in Hymbeset, wherof ' assise of his auncetowrs ' was I-meved
bitwene them) in the same Courte: that is to sey, that the
forsaid Richard1 knowlechecT the forsaide lond1 with his pertynentis 16
to be the right of the same Abbesse and of her chirche of
Godestowe. And for this recognicion), fyne and accorde, the
same Abbesse, at the axyng1 of the forsaid1 Richard1, yaf and
graunted1 to Osberte of brech and to Emme 2 his wyf the forsaid1 20
lond1 with his pertynentis, to be had? and to be hold1, to the
forsaid1 Osberte and Eue and to the heires of the same Eue, of
the forsaid1 Abbesse and other that succede her for ever, paiyng1
therof by yere vij. shillings at the natiuite of Seynt lohn 24
Baptist, and do aft the services therof the which longen) to the
forsaid1 londl And the forsaid1 Abbesse and other Abbesses that
shold? succede her or tho that shold? succede the forsaid? Osbert
and Eue and the heires shold1 warantija the forsaid? lond1 with 28
the pertynentis by the forsaid1 services ayenst aft men for ever.
And furthermore the same Osbert and Eue graunted? for hym-
self and for the heires of the same Eue that the forsaid1 Abbesse
and other Abbesses that shold? succede her afterward1 shold1 have 32
yard. her parke at her wille in the Courte of the same Osbert and Eue
1 Witnesses : John of Stane, Thomas Makarel, James of Norton, Robert of Wodecote.
2 « Eue,' below.
and grant
of the land
to Osbert of
brech and
his heirs
at a quit-
rent of 75. ,
reservingto
Godstow
the right of
imparking
Hampshire : Farindon 165
and the heires of the same Eue in the same towne, to put ther
bestis there to be inparkecT, with-out any agayn) seiyng1 or lette
of the same Osbert and Eue and her heires for ever.
[FARKINGDON.]
[NOTE. — This pension of £i was still paid (Monast. iv. 375) to Godstow at the
dissolution, 1540.]
[207.] * Chartur of Richard?1, bisshop of Exetur, for xx. * leaf
shillings of J?e churche of G-lowcetur and of xx 52t
shillings of J?e churche of Ferendon. 113t-
THE sentence of Jris chartur is Ipat Richard l, bi Ipe grace of Grant to
god1 bisshop of exetttr, gafe & grauntid1 to Ipe holi minchons of by RobTrt,
Godestowe xl. shillings, into perpetuel almis euiri ye?, Ipat is to
sei, in f>e churche of owre ladi of Gloucetwr, xx shillings, & in a pension
8 f>e churche of ferendon, xx. shillings : & is vrith-oute date. of Farrhig-
don church
[208.] Confirmacion of Robert, bisshop of exetur, About
I-made to Richard, clerke, fit} turtain of the churche 114°-
of farindon excepte xx. shillings.
THE sentence of Ipis confirmacion is, Ipat Robert, bisshop of Keserva-
exetu?, gafe & grauntid1 to Robert, clerke, fit5 turtain, in-to
perpetuel almis Ipe churche of farendon excepte alonli xx. shillings, Godstow,
12 f>e whiche he gafe yerli of Ipe rentes of f>e same churche to Ipe sentation
minchons of godestowe in perpetual almis : & for-asmuch as he i^c^^ent
willid1 to be sure & stronge, he strengthid1 hit with his writinge toFarring-
& with his seele : and is with-onte date. church.
[209.] Chartur of arnulph, bisshop of lexetur2, con- About
firminge fe gifte of xx. shillings of j>e churche of 1160<
Farendon.
16 THE sentence of f>is chartur is Ipat arnulph, bisshop of lexouer, Confirma-
grauntid1 to Ipe abbas & minchons of Godestowe xx shillings Q^stow of
yerli to be paid1 to hem of J>e churche of farendon, in-to perpetuel no. 207, by
almis, at mihelmas, euin as Robert, bisshop of exetur, Ipe whiche
1 In error for Robert (Chichester), bishop of Exeter 1138-55. See no. 163.
3 Sic: for episcopus Lexoviensis (of Lisieux), 1154-72.
166
Hampshire : Farindon
the incum-
bent.
*leaf
XLII or
52, back.
had j^e chapleinhode a-fore him, gafe to hem in f>e dedicacion
of he? churche, & euin as kinge henri confirmid1 *hit to hem at
Ipe laste with his chartur: where[fore] Ipe fore-seide arnulph
willid1 & commaundid1 J?at who-so-euir had1 Ipat ehapel of him, 4
how so-euir he haue hit, ]>at he sholde pai J>e xx shillings a-fore-
seide to hem, at mihelmas, wetA-oute oni dowtinge ; & he wolde
make hit to-countid1 in the paiinge of his rentis : & is \vzt7i-oute
date. 8
*leaf
XLII or
52.
About
1175.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow, of
no. 207, by
Kichard
Tocliffe,
bishop of
Win-
chester
1173-1189.
[210.J * Chartur of 'Richard, bisshop of Winchester, for
xx shillings in )>e churche of Ferendoim.
THE sentence of f>is chartitr is, Ipat Richard1, bisshop of
Winchester, willid1 to be knowe to archedecuns, denis, & to a.ft
])G clergie & pepul beinge ]x>row his bisshopriche, fat for J;e
loue of god1, at J>e peticion of worth! kinge henre kinge of 12
T[n]glonde, [he] grauntid1 & confirmid1 with his writinge to
)?e holi minchons of Godestowe xx shillings in J?e churche
of farendon yerli to be take, euin as goode Richard, sumtime
bisshop of exetu?, laufulli grauntid1 & confirmid1 with his writinge 16
as he sawe & rad1: & is wetA-oute date.
About
1186.
[211.] Conflrmacion of lohn, bisshop of exetur, for
IQ same.
Confirma
Godstow of was
no. 207, by his
bishop of
THE sentence of fis chartur is, Ipat lohn, bisshop of exetu?,
plesid1 & wett paide l of }>e gifte & confirmacion of Richard 2
predecessor Ipat he grauntid1 to )?e holi minchons of Gode- 20
stowe of J?e rente of xx. shillings yerli to be take of J?e churche
°f farendon at mihelmas : & f>erfore he strengthid1 hit with the
auttorite of his writinge & J>e surete of his seele : & is wetA-oute
date. 24
* leaf XLII or 52, back.
About 1190.
Confirmation to Godstow, of
no. 207, by Godfrey de Lucy,
bishop of Winchester 1 189-
1204.
[212.] * Chartur of Godefrei, bisshop of
Winchester, confirminge J?e chartur of
Robert, bisshop of exetur, for }>e same
1 The Latin has (donacionem) ' gratam et ratam habere.'
2 Robert.
Hampshire : Farindon 167
[213.] Chartur of petur, bisshop of win- About 1205.
ohMUr, conflrminge>e graunt of God-
efre & Bofcert, bishoppis of Winchester1, des Koches, bishop of win-
for J?e same pension of farindon.
[214.] A sentencial iugement of J?e xx. shillings of J>e 1247,
churche of farindon.
THE sentence of Ipis iugement shortli is, ])at a delegacie was Godstow
made to Ipe prior of Einisham, bitwene maister lohn, person of a decision of
Farindon, & be abbas & couent, to determe be riht bitwene hem the pope's
Q.nmrms-
4 for xx. shillings of rent yerli to be paid? of J>e churche of sionerscon-
farindon, of Ipe whiche yerli pension j?ei had be in possession in themtheir
time oute of minde, fro Ipe paiment of Ipe whiche xx. shillings 2°s- yearly
Ipe fore-seide person had1 cesid? bi }?e space of v. yere, & J^erfore out of
8 J?ei askid1 him to be compellid1 Iperof affcurwarde, & also Ipe
arrerages; & Ipei shewioT he? possession & askinge, sauinge to
hem Ipe benefice of lawe. At the laste, aftur mani respites of
deliberacion grauntid1, moni excepcioura & defensis & replicasions
12 I-pwrposicT, & a bisi tretinge I-made bitwene hem, bi J:e com-
mune assent of bofe perteis, f>ei submittid hem to Ipe ordinans
of Ipe fore-seide delegate; & he, bi fe auctorite of fe pope
committid1 & also ordinarie to him, of Ipe consent of boj?e, &
16 counceft of wise-men & of men of lawe, fe processe bi-fore had"
& aft ofer thinges requisite, crdeinid1 J>at ]?e fore-seide maistur
lohn sholde pai in Ipe name of f>e seide churche of farindow for
euer Ipe fore-seide pension of xx shillings yerli at too termis of and bind-
20 J?e yere to }?e fore-seide abbas & Couent, biginninge Ipe firste
terme at mihelmas Ipai was next & at estur next folowinge,
& for Ipe arereges Ipe same person sholde pai xx shillings. Also for ever.
f>at J>is pronuwcinge & crdeininge sholde be sure & stronge, f>e
24 bothe pertis con^enticT for hem-selfe & he? successours Ipai he
miht compelle, bi oure delegat & ordinari power*, Ipe parte Ipat
wolde be ageiniste f>is ordinaunce to Ipe kepinge of Ipis pro-
mmcinge & ordeininge bi Ipe censu? of f>e churche. In-to witnes
28 of Ipis he sette his seele to f>is writinge, I-made like a charter,
I-actid1 & do Ipe ye? of ou? lorde Mille^'mo CCxlvij, f e twiusdai Thomas
next aftur Tpe translacion of seint Thomas Ipe martir. 7 July.]
1 In error for ' Godfrey, bp. of Winchester, and Robert, bp. of Exeter.'
168
Hampshire : If Clere
[KING'S CLERE.]
* leaf XX
or 31.
About
1160.
Sale to
Godstow,by
William of
Salueruille,
of land
called
1 Clere
preyet,'
subject to
225. quit-
rent.
Purchase-
money,
£3 i&>. 4d.
and two
silver cups.
About
1180.
Sale to
Henry II,
by Man-
asses of
Salueruille,
of the land
of ' Clere
prevet.'
Purchase
money,
£16 13*. ^d.
About
1180.
* leaf XX
or 81,
back.
[See also under Knowle and Woolverton.]
[215.] *Chartur of william saluernille of J>e londe of
Clere preuet by ]>e name of heritage I-grauntyd1.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, J»at william of Saluernille
grauntyd & gaf to edyue, of Godestowe abbas, & to he? church,
hys londe of clere preuet to hold1 & to haue, by \>6 name of
herytage, of hym & of hys heyrys, frely & quietly of aft 4
customys & aft thynges longynge to hys lordys & to hym & to
hys, oute-take towarde f>6 kynge. And Ediue & here successours
of \>Q same place sholde pay [y]erly xxij shillings at inorton, & by
twey termys, in f>e myddyl of lente, xj shillings, & at Mihelmas, 8
xj. shillings: & he made ]>js graunt & gyft to be gyvyn by
molde hys wyfe and Gilbert hys sone & manasse hys sone &
Robert hys sone. And dame Ediue gafe to hym for hys graunt
& for hys gyfte v. marke of syluyr, & to hys wyfe molde 12
vj shillings viij dl, & to Gilbert hys sone ij shillings & to
coppis of siluyr, & to manasse hyr sone xviij d1, & to Robert
he? sone xviij d1: & is wttA-oute date.
[216.] Chartur of manasse of saluernille of be londe
of Clere.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, Ipat manasse of Saluernille, 16
by J>e assent and consent of hys wyfe & of hys heyrys, solde hys
londe of clere preuet f>e whyche william serle helde, to kynge
henry f>e sone of molde the imperasse, for xxv. marke, lowse, fre,
& quiete fro aft seruice longynge to hym & to hys heyrys, 20
sauynge })e seruice of hys lorde waiter of Chauseye : & is
wit^-out date.
[217.] Chartur of Manasse saluernille of J>e londe of
Clere.
* THE sentence of }>ys chartur is, fat manasses of saluernille
& Robert hys broker & molde hys modur gaf, & graunticT, to 24
god & to owre lady seynt marie & to seynt lohn baptiste of
Hampshire : ^ Kyngysclere 169
Godestowe & to f>e holy mynchons Ipere seruynge god, her londe Sale to
fat william sorel helde, to be holde of hem & of her heyrys for Harasses y
euyr, frely & quietly fro aft seruices & aft customys & aft
4 thyngtfs bof e to J?e kynge & also to he? olper lordys & to hem land)
sylf & to he? heyrys longynge, paynge yerly xxv. shillings at subject to
Mortun, & by twey tmnys, fat is to sey, xij shillings vj cT in rent.
myd-lente, & xij shillings vj cT. at Myhelmasse : & fat f ys gyft Purchase-
& graunt shulde be firme & sure, f e churc
to hem xxvij shillings : & is with-out date.
8 & graunt shulde be firme & sure, lpe churche of Godestowe gaf £i7S. '
[218.] * Chartur of rualde wodecote of fe ryht fat he *ieafxx
had? of a yerde londe of Cleite fat is callid1 bastarde. About
1200?
THE sentence of thys chartur is, fat Rualde of wodecote, by Quit-claim
\)& prayers of hys wyfe Aaline & of henry hys hey? & by f e
12 consent of hys olper chyldyrn, relesyd? & quieie claymyd1 aft hys
quarel & aft hys ryht, yf he had ony, in the yerde londe of clere a yardland
f e whyche is callid? a yerde of bastard1, & in olper londys Iper-
vppon f e londys of mynchons of Godestowe, for J>e loue of god?
16 & of seynt John baptiste & for lpe sowlys of hys fadur & modur, lands,
to f>e mynchous of Godestowe )?e whiche he louyd1 in criste : &
Ipai Ipjs reles & quiete-clayme shulde be sure he?-aftur, he made
hyt stronge by puttynge to of hys seaft. He made J>ys relese
20 & quite clayme in \>e shyre of wynchestur. Furfermore he & and grant
hys heyrys grauntid1 & gaf to f>e foreseyde mynchons on londe by him of^
Ipat herreuarde helde of hym, paynge to hym Iperof yerly to ^^J^d'8
fatte hennys at Martyn-masse : & is wit^-out date. quit-rent,
two fat
hens.
[219.] *A Chartur of Robert Cnolle for wodys. *ieafxxi
or 33,
24 THE sentence of thys euydence is, Ipat a couenaunt was made
by-twene f>® lady of Godestowe & her couent & by-twene
Robert Cnolle & hys heyrys, ])at is to sey, Robert Cnott & hys
heyrys quite-claymyd1 to ])Q lady of Godestowe, & to fe couent
28 ther Also, aft hys clayme & ryht fat f>ey seydyn hem-selfe to of all title'
haue in Williamsmore & in delthegroue & shortgroue, so Ipat lpe
seyd? Robert Cnolle ne none of hys heyrys sholde not haue no
clayme afturward1 in f>e foreseyde grouys & londys toward1 f>e
32 foreseyde Abbas & couent of Godestowe, but Ipat f>e Abbas
& mynchons of Godestowe sholde haue & holde f>e foreseyde
170
Hampshire : H Kyngysdere
and quit-
claim, by
G-odstow, to
Robert of
Knowle, of
all title in
Northlye.
[Exaltation
of Cross =
Sept. 14,]
[Sandford.]
grouis & f e fore-seyde londis, Mvith aft lpe pertinences, well & in
peece and worshypfully, in-to pure & perpetuel almys, as well
frely & surely as ony almys may be had & holde: for thys
quiete-clayme & graunt, lpQ fore-seyde felice, Abbas, & mynchons 4
of Godestowe, grauntyd1 & quite-claymid? to f e fore-seyde Robert
Cnolle & to hys heyrys all her clayme & ryht fat f e seyd? Abbas
& mynchons had? in Northlye, Also hyt is to be knowe fat
henry, than sty ward e of Godestowe, suryd? hys trowthe for the 8
Abbas & couent fys couenant to be kepycT: & fe fore-seyde
Robert of knolle Also, vppon hys party, plyht hys trowthe to
holde fys eouenant for hym & hys heyrys : Thys was do, f e
wodynsday a-fore fe holy rode day in heruiste, in fa fuli court 12
of f e Abbas at santforde, the ye? of the incarnacion of ou? lorde
M°CCxix°, f e secuwde ye? of kynge henry f e sone of kyng lohn.
And fat fys graunt & couenant, as hyt is seyde by-fore, sholde
obteyne ferme & stronge surenesse, hyt was confermycT by f e 16
settynge of seelys of bof e parties : & is without date.
* leaf XIX [220.J * Of a fine I-leueyicT in f e kynges court a-geynyste
las8!?,' Oct. Koger l mortmer.
Verdict in
favour of
Godstow,
claiming
that
William
Nefmeynil
is responsi-
ble for
feudal ser-
vices due to
Ralph of
Mortimer,
the over-
THYS was J?e final a-corde made in j)e kynges courte at
westmynster fro \* day of seynt Myheft in-to j. monethe, ]>Q
xiiij. ye? of J>e reyne of kynge henry fe sone of kynge lohn, 20
a-fore Thomas Miletow, william Ralegh, Robert lexinton,
william of lpe He, william london, maystur Robert of sherdelawe,
Raf Norwyche, & Richard Rycger, Justices, & olper trewe men
of £e kynges Ipere J?en beynge present, by-twene amyfelyse2, 24
abbas of Godestowe, playnynge by reynolde porter I-sette in
he? stede to gete or to lese, & william Nefmeynil, deforcynge,
of f>e seruyce fat Rapt Mortmer askyth of lpQ fore-seyde abbas
of a fre tenement fat she hylde of hym in clere, where-of fe 28
seyde abbas playnyoT fat fe foreseyde wilKam aquitid?8 not hyr
a-geynyst fe seyde Raph, f6 same william cesyd1, he was meene
by-twene hem ; & whe?-of hyt was pletycl by-twene hem in f e
fore-seyde courte, fat is to say, fat fe fore-seyde william made 32
1 In the Latin also it is ' Roger ' in the
rubric, ' Ralph ' in the text.
3 < Amif^liin ' ?r> T.Q + ?ri
Amifelisa ' in Latin.
3 In the Latin : ' non acquietavit earn
versus praedictum Radulphum : desinit :
idem Willelmus niedius est.'
Hampshire: H Kyngysdere 171
a knowlech fe fore-seyde tenement wiih fe pertinences to be lord,
ryht of fat abbas & of he? churche of Godestowe, to be had & freehoid
holde to fe same abbas, & to olper abbasys fat sholde succede
4 to he?, & to he? church of Godestowe, of f e foreseyde william conveyed to
& hys heyrys, in-to fre pu? & perpetuel almys for euyr, so fat
lpe foreseyd1 william & hys heyrys sholde acquite aft the
foreseyde tenement towarde the foreseyde Kaf & hys heyrys of
8 aft seruices and customys & aft demaundys as hys pu? &
perpetuel almys for euyr : & for thys recogniscion, acquietance, Godstow
fine & concorde, fe foreseyde abbas relesyd? & claymyd? quite of
he? & ofyer abbassys succedynge he? & of he? churche of
1 2 Godestow to the foreseyde william & to hys heyrys aft harmys
fat she had by the distreynynge made to her fore f e fore-seyde
seruice by defaute of f e seyde william.
[221.] * Chartur of william fit} Robert of Cnolle of an * *e3a|XXI
acre londe in C[l]ere. About
1240.
THE sentence of f ys chartur is, fat wyllyam fitj Robert of Grant to
1 6 Cnoft, by the assent & consent of aline hys wyfe & of wyllyam by William
hys fyrst sone, gaf, grauntid1, & cowfirmyd1 by hys wrytynge, to
god & to f e hows of seynt John baptiste of Godestowe & to f>e
holy mynchons there seruynge god, for f e helthe of hys sowle &
20 of hys aunceturs & successours, on acre of londe in -fe felde of an acre,
of Clere the whych is callid Ramisholte, the whyche lyeth
by-twene fe londe of wolferton & fe londe of santforde, strecch- [Woolver-
ynge fro fe sowfe toward1 J>e northe ; Also j corner of londe in ford.]
24 strokynges croft vppon fe northe syde, for fe whyche he was a Piece of
wonyd1 sum tyme to take yerly fowre horsshone of rent ; Also on [Rent=
dyche, I-take & leueyd1 of hys londe & I-cast vppon hys londe,
that depertyth vppon J?e efct syde fe londe of santford1 & vppon and a ditch.
28 f>e west syde hys londe of Cnoft, & hyt strecchyt[h] hyt-selfe fro ]) e
sowfe syde of J?e horscrofte towarde J>e norfe vn-to an angle or
a corner of Tudenhuft : to be holde & to be had to hem, with-
oute ony a-geynyste seynge of men or women, in-to fre quiet &
32 perpetuel almus : & Ipat more certeyn truste myht be gyf & had1
*to thys gyft graunt & confirmacion, he put to thys wiytynge * leaf XXI
hys seele : and is wtt^-oute date. back.'
172
Hampshire : 1f Clere
* leaf
XXII or
33, back.
1258, Oct.
Agreement
between
Godstow
and Roger
of Mor-
timer,
by which
Godstow
quit-
claimed to
him 135. 4d.
yearly out
of Withy
mill, as also
the arrears
(£10138.4^.),
and he quit-
claimed to
Godstow all
title in the
tenement
and paid
£8.
[222.] *A finatt a-corde by-twene the Abbas of
Godestowe & William of clere1 of a yerly rent
of a marke.
THYS was fe final a-corde I-made in the kynges court at
westmynster fro the day of seynt Myhel in-to iij. wokys, the
xlij. yere of fe reyne of kynge henry fe sone of kynge lohn,
a-fore Roger of Turkelby, Gilbert of preston, & Nicholas of 4
hanlo, Justices, & a-fore of er trewe men of the kynges then f e?
beynge present, by-twene Emyne, Abbas of Godestowe, playner,
by wakelyne of Godestowe in he? stede for to gete or to lese, &
Roger of Mortmer, deforcyd1, by amyse of pelethorp in hys stede 8
to gete or to lese, xvj. Marke f e whyche we? by-hynde to f e
same abbas of a yerly rent of a marke f e whyche he owyd1 to
hyr of a mylle in withye, where-of hyt was pleyd by-twene hem
in fe same courte : fat is to sey, fat fe fore-seyde Abbas 12
relesyoT & quite-claymyd1, of hyr & of hyr successours & of hyr
churche of Godestowe, to f e fore-seyde Roger & to hys heyrys,
aft here ryht and clayme fat she had1 in f e fore-seyde yerly rent
& Also in f e foreseyde arreragijs for euyr. And for thys releys, 16
quite-clayme, fine, & a-corde, fe same roge? relesyd1 & quite-
claymyoT of hym & of hys heyrys to the foreseyde Abbas, &
to of er abbasses fat sholde succede to hyr, & to hyr churche
a-foreseyde, aft hys ryht & clayme fat he hadcT in aft fat rent & 20
tenement with f e pertinences fat f e same abbas & hur churche
a-fore-seyde helde in fee in f e paryshe of kynges Clere, the day
fat f is a-corde was made, for euyr : & furf ermore f e same roger
gaf to f e foreseyde Abbas xij. Marke of siluer. 24
* leaf xx [223.] *Chartur of lohn Chapleyn of Clere in ]>Q towne
Sacl1' of kynges Clere.
About
THE sentence of thys cbartur is, that lohn of Mylle, chapeleyn,
to Godstow, gaf & grauntyd, & confirmyd with hys wrytynge, to god & to
the clmrclie of ou? lady & of seynt lohn baptiste of Godestowe
& to fe mynchons fere seruynge god1 and to serue for euyr, hys 28
oon croft in kyngys clere, tne whyche he bowht of william
Cnolle, the whyche is callyd1 denpurcut, & lythe by-twene f e
croft,
1 In the MS., no. 224 immediately preceded, and its rubric has been repeated in error.
Hampshire: 1f Clere 173
londe of J?e fore-seyde mynchons of Godestowe (f>e whyche londe
is callicT Tay wyerescroft) & }>e kyngys wey (f>6 whyche ledythe
fro kyngys clere toward1 * weymismytt) & strecchythe hyt selfe * leaf XXI
4 fro f>e northe in-to f>e southe : fe seyd1 crofte to be had1 & to be or 32'
holde, wiih aft hys pertinences, to f>e fore seyde mynchons & to to be held
he? successours, frely & quietly, pesybly & holly, in-to fre &
perpetual almus, of hym & of hys heyrys & to1 hys assynys, c{j)iefl(JJ'1d'a
8 payuge Iperof yeiiy to the chyfe lorde of f>e fee j. clowe gylofer flower, to
at myhel-masse, [&] to hym & to hys heyrys or to hys assynys j. {o
rose at mydsonmr for aft seruices, fat is to sey, for sewte of
cowries of shyrys, hundredys, lawday, & for alt seculer seruices
la & demaundys: & ])e seyde lohn & hys heyrys or hys assynys
warantijed1, acquited) & defendycT to the fore-seyd? mynchons &
to he? successours the fore-seyde crofte, with aft hys pertinences
& fredoms by-fore wrete, for euyr, ageynyst aft pepuft ; & f>at
16 hys gyft graunte & confirmacion sholde be ferine and sure &
stable for euer, he strengthyd1 hyt with J>e settynge of hys seele :
& is with-oute date.
[224.] * A final a-corde by william of Clere of a mese *
XXIX or
& xx acris of londe. 33, back.
THE sentence of ]?ys is, Ipat f>ys was a final a-corde I-made in gale t'o
20 ]?e kyngys courte at westmynster fro trinite soneday in-to Gh>dstow,by
xv days, \ e thre & fyfty yere of lpe reyne of henry J>e sone of ciere*™
kynge lohn, afore martyn litlebury, Maystwr roger sayton,
& lohn Cobham, Justices, & a-fore ofyer trewe men of lpe kynges
24 there )?en beynge present, by-twene william of clere, asker, by
Robert of hall sette in hys stede to gete or to lese, & Emyne,
Abbas of Godestowe, holder, by Nicholas of Mungewelle sette
in he? stede to gette or to lese, of a mese & xx acris of londe ofames-
28 w^tA lpe pertinences in kyngys clere, whe?-of ' assise of hys 20 fTCres.
auncetur ' was made by-twene hem, Ipat is to sey, }>at william £^JJ ^^ux
relesyd1& qmte-claymyd1, of2 hym & of 2 hys heyrys, to J?e fore- cester.]
seyde Abbas, & to olper Abbassys the whyche sholde succede to
32 here, & to he? churche of Godestowe, all the ryht & clayme fat
he had1 in f>e foreseyde tenement with the pertinences for euyr : Purchase
and for J?is reles, quite-clayme, fine, & concorde, the Abbas gaf
to the foreseycT william viij. Marke of siluyr.
1 Read 'of.' J Read 'for.'
174
* leaf XXI
or 32,
back.
About
1270.
Grant to
Godstow,by
Henry of
Edmunds-
thorp, of
2 acres.
Hampshire : If Kyngysdere
[225.] * Chartu? of henry of Edmundusthrope for
ij acris.
[Strange
title of
Godstow.J
*leaf
XXII or
33.
About
1280.
Grant to
Godstow,
by John
franklin, of
' Prevet
Croft.'
[Woolver-
ton.]
THE sentence of J>ys chartur is, that henry of Edmundisthrop
gaf, gmuntid, & confirmicT with hys wrytynge, to god & to the
churche of seynt John baptist of Godestowe, & to the Abbas &
couent brethyrn & systyrn of f>9 same place pe? seruynge god, 4
in-to pu? & perpetueft almis, for lpe saluacion of hys sowle & of
Isabel hys wyfe & for )?e saluacion of J>9 sowlis of aft hys
aunceturs & successours, ij. acris of londe the whyche lyen in
the feeldys of kynges Clere, of ]>e whyche on acre lyeth in the 8
west feelde at hellenestubbe, by-twene the londe Ipat was of
henry Coke & J?e londe f>at was of william Cnoft; & an-of>er
acre lythe in lp6 feelde in lpQ tilthe Ipat is callicT burnefurlonge,
in j?e northe parte of J>e londe Ipat was of lohn scut, & strecchyth 12
hyt-sylfe fro f>e west towarde lpe est vn-to woluethelynge, & Ipat
acre is callid1 krockeresacre. The fore-seyde henry grauntyd1 J>Q
seyde ij. acris of londe, with here pertinences, to be had & to be
holde of hym & of hys heyrys, to lpe seyde holy churche of seynt 16
lohn baptiste of Godestowe, to J>e Abbas brethyrn & systryn of
]>e seyde holy hous, weft & in peece, freely & quietly, hole &
herytably for euyr ; & f>e seyde henry & hys heyrys waranti3yd?
& acquitecT & defendyd1 lpQ seyde ij. acris of londe, with all here 20
pertinences, to lpe seyde holy church Abbas & couent brethryn
and systryn of J>e seyde holy hows & to her successours for euyr,
a-geynyst att pepuft : & Ipat hys gyft graunt & confirmacion
myht be stronge & sure for euyr, * he strengthyd1 hyt with fe 24
puttyng1 to of hys seele.
[226.] Cartur of lohn frankeleyne for preuet crofte.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, Ipat lohn frankeleyne gaf,
grauntyd1, & confirmyd? with hys wrytynge, to royse Abbas of
Godestowe & to he? couent, a crofte of hys londe of lpQ fee of 28
frollebury, f>e whyche is callycT preuet crofte, & buttythe in
length toward1 J»Q west vppon lpe londe of f>e seyde abbas &
towarde J>e est vppon f>e londe of f>e person of J>e churche of
wolfrynton, & it lieth in brede by-twene the londe of lpe seyde 32
Abbas of J?e sowthe partye & the londe of william at groue
vppon f>Q northe syde. Alle J?e fore-seyde crofte, with aft his
Hampshire : ^ Clere 175
pertinences, he grauntycT to be had & to be holde, to pe fore-
seyde abbas & to he? successours, & to the couent of pe same
place, quietly, frely, pesybly, & holly, in perpetueft ryht, paynge
4 per-of yerly to hym & to hys heyrys j. cT in pe feste of seynt quit-rent,
myhel for aft seculer seruice, exaccion, & demaunde : for pe
whyche gyfte, graunt, & confirmacion, pe fore-seyde Abbas, with
assent & consent of aft pe couent of pe same place of Godestowe,
8 gaf to hym vj acris londe in a felde pat is callid1 pQ breche, in exchange
lyinge by-twene pQ londe pat thomas pykeforde helde of the ^tnT68
foreseyde Abbas & pe wode Ipat is callid1 pe fryth, in-to an Breche.'
eschange of pQ foreseyde crofte pat is callicT praiet croft : & pe
12 seyde lohn franckeleyn and hys heyris warantijed1, acquited1, &
defendyd? for euer, pQ seyde crofte, with alle hys pertinences, to
pQ foreseyde Abbas & he? successours, a-geynyste all pepuls : &
pat hys graunt, gyft, & cowfirmacion, sholde be sure & stable
16 for euyr, he strengthyd hyt with pQ preynt of hys seele : & is
witA-oute date.
[227.] Chartur of Nicholas of Clere ryal or kynges
Clere for viij shillings of rent yerly.
THE sentence of thys euidence is, pat Nicholas & william of Grant to
kynges Clere, brethyrn, & he? heyrys, byn holde & bounde to pQ Nicholas' y
20 religius women j?e Abbas & couent of Godestowe in viij shillings ?^
of sterlynges, yerly to be payd1 to hem in pe feste of seynt of Clere, of
Myhel, for lohn I-callid Aylmer, sum-tyme he? bondeman, pQ cha^^over
whych pej gaf to pQ seyde NichoZas & lohn, with alt hys goodys *£e lands of
24 & catatt & londis p6 whyche he hytde a-fore of pQ seyde Abbas John
& couent, as hyt is conteynycT fully in pQ chartur of pe refeffement y n
pat pe seyde Abbas & couente made to hem vppon these thynges :
& they wyllyd1 & grau^tyd? for hem & for he? heyrys, by the
28 tenowre of pys present wrytynge, pat hyt sholde be leffuft to pQ
seyde Abbas & Couent to entre & occupe as her owne pe seyde
londys & oper thyngys pat }>ey had at pat tyme & were to haue
afturwarde in f>e towne of kynges Clere, & also to reseyue aft
32 the avaylys of the same frely & with-out a-geyn seynge of ony
man, & to make distreynynge as they wolde for pe seyde rent, Powers of
as ofte as hyt cesycT to be payd1. They willid1 also & grauntycT
for hem & for her heyrys pat pe shreue of wynchester, ]3e whyche
176
[Matthias =
Febr. 24.]
* Exche-
quer MS.
leaf 183.
1317,
June 13.
* leaf 183,
back.
Grant by
Godstow,
to John
Hereward,
and his
father,
of life-
interests in
a yardland.
Hampshire : If Clere
is for lpe tyme, sholde tlystreyne hem & her heyrys to f>e payment
to be do in what wyse he willid, & for euyry distreynynge j>«t
he dothe to leuey of he? goodys & of here heyrys vj shillings
viij. cT. to hys oune nede for hys labour, & vj. shillings viij <T to 4
f>e nede of the seyde ladyis for her expenses & harmys Ipai they
sofrecT by the occasyon of ])Q seyde rent not I-payde in £>e tyme
I-sette. In-to witnes of f>ys thynge fey put to thys wrytynge
he? selis. The date at Godestowe, in £>e morne l of seynt Mathie 8
apostle, f>e ye? of ou? lorde a thousande to hundred1 iiij. score
& iiij.
[228. * Charter of John son of Hereward.
MARGERY of Dine, abbess, and the convent of Godstow,
granted to John son of John* Hereward the yardland which 12
his father had held of Godstow in Clere, for life-term, paying
7«. yearly by half-yearly payments. If John the father overlive
John the son, then the said yardland shall revert in villeinage
at the old services to the father and his wife for life-term, but 16
on the death of them both shall fall to Gods-tow.
Given at Godstow, on the Monday after the Octave of Trinity,
the i oth year of Edward son of King Edward.]
* Exche-
quer MS.
leaf 183,
back.
1323,
Sept. 18.
Grant by
Godstow, to
John of
North-
weston, of a
life-interest
in 32 acres.
[Matthew =
Sept. 21.]
* leaf XXI
or 32.
133f,
Jan. 7.
Quit- claim
to Godstow,
by John of
Knowle
[229. * Charter of land given to John of Northweston
in the field of King's Clere.
MARGERY de Dyne, abbess, and the convent granted to said 20
John and his wife Cristiana, and to the longer liver of them,
32 acres in King's Clere which Richard Wychisburi once held.
They were to pay 10 shillings of silver yearly for all services.
Given at Godstow, on the Sunday before the feast of 24
St. Matthew the Evangelist, 1 7 Edward II.]
[230.] * Chartur of lohn Cnolle of att hys ryht in
kyngys Clere.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, f>at lohn cnolle grauntyd?
in-to pu? & perpetual almus, & vtturly quite- clay myd, to god &
to Y churche of ou? lady & of seynt lohn baptiste of Godestowe 28
i.e. morrow.
Hampshire : ^ Knolle 177
& to f e holy mynchoras fere seruynge god1, for hym & for hys of all title
heyrys for euyr, aft hys ryht & clayme fat he had or myht
haue in ony maner wyse in a place of londe with hys pertinences
4 in the parysshe of kyngys Clere, the whyche is callycP
aywyepurcot, & f e fore-seyde place of londe lyf e by-twene hys
mede fat is callyd? f e hole mede & a crofte fat is callicT hagen-
huft vppon f e est, & a crofte of f e fore-seyde hows of Grodestowe
8 f e whyche is callid strokynges londe vppon f e west syde ; so
fat f e foreseyde lohn, nof er hys heyrys, ne no man by hem or for
hem or in her name, sholde mowe to aske or chalange ony
thynge of ryht or of clayme heraftur in f6 fore-seyde place
12 with hys pertinences, but that they sholde be excludyd1 by fys
presente wrytynges for euyr for aft maner accion of ryht. In-to
wytnes of fe same fynge he put to fys wrytynge hys seele.
The date at kynges Clere, f0 freday next aftur f e fest of f e
1 6 Epiphanye of owre lorde, fe vij. yere of fe reyne of kynge
Edwarde })e thyrde aftur fe cwiquest.
[KNOWLE in King's Clere parish.]
[NOTE. — At the dissolution, 1540, the Godstow properties in Sandford and King's
Clere were returned (Monast. iv. 375) as bringing in yearly, the demesne-land, £8 ;
the quit-rents of the copyholds, £12 i6s. 6d. ; and the freeholds, los. ; in all
£21 6s. 6d.]
[231.] *A Chartur of Adam of brurton of the londe *ieafxx
of CnoUe. SLS;
About
THE sentence of thys chartur is, fat adam of brurton \ for 1140.
hys sowle and of hys predecessours, grauntyoT J>e yfte fat Raf fe
20 sone of wayfere & hys heyrys made, by the consent of Robert
lpQ sone of wayfere hys broker of fe same fadur 2, of aft fe londe Brincton,
of fe holde in Cnolle, in-to perpetual allmys, to the churche of superior, of
god & of ou? lady seynt Mary & of seynt lohn baptiste of
24 Godestowe & to fe holy mynchons fere seruynge god1, wt't^ aft of land,
fe pertinences, fat is to sey in wode and playne, & in medys &
pasturys, in pondes & watures & myllys, in weyes & pathys, & in
1 'Brincton,' in the Latin. his brother, my father, of all hia land de
2 ' by the consent of Robert of Waifere, tenura de Cnolle.'
N
Hampshire: 1 K 'nolle
aft placis & in aft thyngys. He willid1 also & grauntyd1 f e fore-
seycT londe fat fe foreseyde holy mynchons sholde holde hyt for
euyr, weft & in pece, fre and vtturly quiete fro aft seculer
seruice & aft exaccions, so fat he & hys heyrys sholde do for 4
and grant euyr to f e kynge & to hys lorde f e seruice (of1 hys oper fee) fat
loa^ oThay longythe to the londe : & furf ermore he gaf to hem on cart-fuft
yearly. Of hev yerly to be payde to hem for euyr : & is wtt/i-out date.
* leaf XIX
or 30.
About
1354.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Richard
Labaanc, of
lands,
* leaf XIX
or 30,
back.
[Nuns'
dower.]
free of all
feudal ser-
vice, but
subject to
an annuity
of £2 to the
donor for
his life-
time.
[Burial at
Godstow.]
[232.] * A couenawnt by-twene Mynchons of Godestowe
& "Richard labanc.
THE sentence of thys conuencion is, fat by-twene the 8
mynchons of Godestowe & RicAara* labaanc a couenaunt was
made of fe londe of 2cnolle & of swanton, fe whiche he gaf,
in-to perpetuel almys, to god & to ou? lady seynt mary * & to
the churche of Godestowe & to fe mynchons fere seruinge god, 12
for f e helpe of hys sowle & of hys predecessours, with hys modyr
Rohays & hys sistur cecilie f e whyche were made there myn-
chons, the fore-seyde loude to be fre & vtturly quite fro all
seculer seruic^s, excepte fat fe fore-seyde Richard labaanc 16
shulde haue of the foreseyd1 church 3 yerly xl. shillings whyle
fat he liuyth in thys worlde. Aftur the dethe of fe seyde
Richard f e foreseyde londe of cnolle, swantou, vfith att fe
pertinence, in woode, in playn, millis & weyis & patthys, & all 20
op fir Ipyuges, witA-oute lpe xl. shillings, & Also fro all seculer
seruice be vtturly fre & quite & vnbroke, welle & pesibly, in J>e
foreseyde church for euyr, so Ipat ]>Q heyrys of J?e seyde Richarde
sholde do the seruice, of hys cfyer fee, fat pertinith of er to 24
f e kynge ofer to hys lorde of fat londe, fat is to sey, of Cnolle
& of Swanton. Also 4 he grauntyd1 to f e same church hys body
to be buryecT aftur hys dethe : & he confirmyd? thys conuencion
to be holde ferme & sure by hys fey the & trowf e, & fat a-fore 28
kynge henry kynge of Ingelonde & alienowre f e quene, bothe
clerkw & lay men 5 : & is wit^-oute date.
1 This goes, in sense, with 'do.'
2 In the Latin copy (Exchequer MS.
leaf 19, back) 'all his land of Cnolle, and
Sauanton which belongs to it, and Sand-
ford with all pertinents.'
3 i.e. of Godstow.
* * post mortem vero eius, corpus suum
sepeliendum eidem ecclesie concessit.'
6 Among the witnesses are Nicholas
Labaanc, and Sara wife of Richard Labaanc.
e : f Knolle 179
[233. * Charter of the king to Godstow for lands and * Exche-
tenements in Clere.
HENRY II intimates to the bishop of Winchester and others About
and to all his lieges French and English of Suthawtescyre, that
Richard labaanc came into his presence and gave to God&tow, tion to
4 with his mother and sister to be nuns, all his land of Cnolle Henry*!!, y
and Suanton with all pertinences, free of all secular service, ^^lc^a?d
save that, while said Richard lived, the convent should pay him gift, as in
yearly 405. After Richard's death the land should be quite
8 free of burdens, his heirs doing all services due from it, out
of his other lands.
"Witnesses: — Queen Eleanor, Thomas [Becket] c&ncellarius
[1154-62]; Mannasses Biset, dapifer ; Warm son of Gerold,
12 c&merarius ; Ralph of Hasting; William son of Hanum ; and
Josceline de Baillolio. At Lincoln],
[234.1 *A-nother Chartur of Richard labanc of Clere. *ieafxix
or 30.
THE sentence of fys chartur is, fat Richard1 labaanc grauntyd1 About
& gaf, in-to perpetuel almys, to f e churche of god & of our1 lady ' Grant to
1 6 seynt marye & of seynt Ion baptiste of Godestowe & to the E^*r^'by
holy mynchons fere seruynge god, all the dowry of hys modur, Labaanc, of
fat is to sey, knolle1, & swanton f6 whyche longethe to the
same, & sanforde & hodicotte as muche as hys predecessours
20 had, fat is to sey, v. hydys. Aft ]?ese f ynges he grauntyd &
gaf, vtturly frely & quietly fro aft seculer seruices, with aft her
pertinences, as frely & as goode as euyr ony of hys predecessours aitogether
helde hyt : & more-ouer he grauntyd, more frely, fat he wolde free of
24 do to the kynge & to hys lorde f e seruice of hys of er londys fat
was wonyd1 to be do for hem : & is with-out date 2.
[235.] A Chartur of hugh mortmer of the londe About
., _ 1154*
labaanc.
THE sentence of thys chartur is fat hugh mortmer, by f e Confirma-
consent of Roger hys sone & of hys of er heyrys, gaf & grauntyd1
28 to fe churche of god & of ou? lady & of seynt lohn baptiste & ^y Hugh of
1 In the Latin, 'Cnolle, and Swanton Oxford [died Oct. 1151]; Robert, prior of
which belongs to it.' St. Frideswyde's [1141-70]; Odelard la-
2 Witnesses (Exchequer MS. leaf 20): baanc and Hugh his 'nepos'; Ralph
Jeffrey [of Monmouth], bishop [elect] of St. Lancelene, &c.
Asaph [1152-54]; Walter, archdeacon of
N 2
180
Hampshire : Winchester
234.
Mortimer, to the holy mynchons of Godestow \>er& seruinge god, alt the
! of londe of knolle & swanton Ipai longyth to lpe same & sanford1,
with aft hys pertinences, fre & quiete fro alle seculer sendees, as
Richard labaanc gaf hyt to J?e foreseyd? churche, so \>ai \>Q 4
foreseyoT Richard & hys heyrys sholde do to hym & hys heyrys
j>® seruice of hys o]w fee ]>at longythe to f>at londe.
* Exche-
quer MS.
leaf 185.
About
1160?
Grant to
Godstow.by
Robert 6f
Meisi,
[Nun's
dower.]
of land out-
side and
inside Win-
chester.
* Exche-
quer MS.
leaf 185.
About
1160?
Grant to
Godstow,by
Herebert of
St. Quintin,
of three
[Nun's
dower.]
[WINCHESTER *.]
[236. * Charter of Robert of Meisi for Land in
Winchester.
ROBEET of Meisi, with consent of his heirs, gave to Godstow
land in "Wintonia which he held of the fee of the earl of 8
gloucester, with his daughter to be a nun; viz. land outside
north gate which William Hogelies holds, and other land in
Suldwregtestret and flesmongerestrete, with proviso2 that by
payment he may have lodging there when he requires it. ia
Witness : — Wacheline, abbot of Abbendon 3.]
[237. * Charter of Herbert of St. Quintin for iii.
messuages in Winchester.
HEEBEET of St. Quintin lets French and English know that he
has given to Godstow three messuages at Winchester, viz. two
within the city and one outside. Of the said mansions within 16
the wall, one pays yearly 156?. and the other I2d. ; and the
land outside pays lod. This gift was given with his sister
Odelena to be a nun.
Witnesses: — Robert of Meysy, Richard Musard, etc.] 20
[WOOLVERTON.]
* leaf xix [238.] * A plee by- twene the lady Abbas & syr reynolde
£3^' fitj petur, lorde of woluerton.
1250. THE sentence of thys plee is, J>at f>e abbas of Godestowe & f>9
Agreement Couent browht syr"0 Reynolde fytj petur, by a bref Ipai is callycT
1 All the Winchester property seems meis nuwmis, ut consuevi, si necesse
alienated before pope • Nicholas IV's fuerit.'
Taxatio Ecclesiastica, 1291. 3 i.e. Abingdon.
2 ' Ita tamen ut hospicia illic habeam
Hampshire: ^Wolverton 181
' quo iure,' in be kynges court in-to pie. for asmuche as between
, , , i . ,. , Godstow on
syre Reynolde & hys men of woluerton, & also \ e person of f e the one
place, askyd vnduly comune pasture in a woode fat is callycT j^e^'ord'of
4 le fryth *, as fey seyde. At the laste f e pie restycF in-to f ys the manor
maner, by frendely composicion by-twene partyes for euyr, fat ton and the
is to sey, Ipat f e fore-seyde abbas & mynchons graunticT to
fe foreseycT syre Reynold1 & to hys heyrys, & to fe person of the on the other
8 place & to hys successours, fat hyt sholde be lefful to hem for
to haue he? bestys2 (fat is to sey, of hys maner, & of the
churche of woluerton) in pasture of be woode of le fryth & 3 for wood called
.. -. . . -, ' the Frith,'
to be quite fro pannage. Also they grauntyd1 to f e men of f 6 Godstow
12 fore-seycT syre Reynolde for euyr, fat hyt sholde be lawefuft
to hem to haue her beestes 2, f e whych they haue in f e maner of and pan-
woluerton, in fe foreseyde woode pasture4 & pannage, so fat fe beastsofthe
pannage of he? owne hogges fey haue quite 5 : & f e seyde syre
16 Reynolde relesyde & quite-claymycf to fe foreseyde abbas and and of the
couent, for hym & hys heyrys & hys men of \\oluerton, & the the manor;
fore-seyde person also, for hym & hys successours, aft f e londe Sir ^Ks1:
of fe breche, bofe in medewe & in pasture & in arable londe, uphisdaim
20 & aft f e ryht & clayme fat he had" or myht haue by f e name of W0odland
pasture or by fe name of ony ofer Ryht in hit, so fat hyt sholde ^^e'*he
be leifuft to hem (fat is to sey, to f e abbas & to f e couent) for and allow-
to appropur f e fore-seyde londe & mede & pasture wt'tA aft he? g£fw £ "
24 pertinences, wt'tA-out ony a-gaynseynge of hem, or lette ; also to appropriate
deduce hyt in-to what-euer vsis fat fey wyllyd, as hyt likyth gether,
& semyth to hem most best & most profitable to spede, holy &
quietly & in peece for euer, that alonly oute-take, fat f e fore-
28 seyde syre Reynold1 & hys heyiys & hys men of woluerton, & f e there, for
fore-seyde person & hys successours, sholcT haue alonly fre-goynge the lord of
to he? beestes to be waturde at the welle of the brech : Also fat Wooiver-
* ton and his
hyt sholde be lawefuft to the foreseyde abbas & Couent, to cast tenants and
32 down & to take, aftur he? wyft, of f e foreseyde woode of f e frith rectory.
as hyt plesyth hem & whenne-so-euyr they wylle, wr'tA-out ony Godstow
a-geyne-seynge & lette or playnt of the fore-seyde syre reynolde, absolute
person of woluerton, & he? heyrys & successours, & also of her
36 men, sauynge to f e fore-seyde Reynolde & to hys * heyrys f e or 31.
1 Beading doubtful : possibly 'frych.' jrannagio' = at pasture and pannage.
3 ' averia.' 5 i.e. eo that they do not pay for pan-
8 ' et pannagio qnieta.' nage of their own porci.
4 Ablative in the Latin, 'pastura et
182
Hampshire: f Wolrerton
timber of
4 the Frith,'
allowing
the lord of
Woolverton
his
old hunt-
ing-rights
there.
Godstow to
have leave
to plant,
and build
and settle
men in
'the Frith.1
Exchange
of good
between
the lords of
Woolverton
and the
abbey of
Godstow.
* leaf XX
or 31,
back.
About
1210.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Piers
son of
Herbert,
of leave to
enclose and
cultivate an
near Wool-
verton
Park, leav-
ing free
access to
the well
there,
and reserv-
ing rights of
pasture in
the stubble.
ryht of hys huntynge aftur fat hyt sholde be sauyd1 to hem
of ryht, so neuer f e lese fat hyt sholde be leffuft to the fore-
seyoT abbas & to he? Couent all fe fore-seyde londe with hys
pertinences to plante & to bylde aftur her owne wylle & also 4
men there to dwelle yf fey wyllid. Furf ermore hyt is to be
notyd? fat f e fore-seyde Keyholde fit} petur, for hym & hys
heyrys, toke f e goodys, londys, & possessions of the fore-seyde
abbas & mynchons of Godestowe in hys defense & proteccion for 8
euyr : and f e same abbas & raynchons of Godestowe toke hym
& receyuyd1 in massys, in matyns, in ofer owrys, suffrages,
almys, fastynges, & all ofer thyngys fat myht profite to the
helfe of sowlys: but fat all }>es fynges a-fore-seyde myht 12
a-byde stable & su? for euer, & fat fey myht haue perpetuel
strengthe of surenes, f e fore-seyde parties sette to f ys present
chartur her selys, euyryche a-geynyst ofer : & is wttA-out date.
[239.] * A Chartur of pers herbert of Cler.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, fat pers fit3 herbert *, for f e 16
loue of god & for f © helfe of hys sowle & for f e soulis of hys
auncetwrs & successours, grauntyoT to god & to ou? lady seynt
Maiye of Godestowe & to f>e mynchons fere seruynge god, fat
fey may close here assarte fat lyetTi nyhe hys parke of 20
woluerton, & to ere hyt & to sowe, aftur he? owne wille,
wit^-onte lette of hym or of hys, so naf eles fat hys meyny of
woluerton sholde haue fre & fuft powe? to lede he? bestys to the
welle, the whyche is sette in f e fore assarte, to water hem & to 24
brynge hem a-geyne. That notwythstondynge he reteynyd?
to hym & to hys meyny fat, fro fat tyme fat f e cornys I-sowe
in f e same Assarte aftur resonable tyme be remeuyd1, alt hys
meyny of f e same maner sholde haue full & fre commune to all 28
her bestys in f e pasture of f e fore-seyd1 assarte, vnto a-nof er
tyme resonable of sowynge, vfiih-out lette : and for-asmuche fat
hys graunt sholde a-byde ferme & stable for euyr, he put to f ys
wrytynge hys seele : & is with-oute date. 32
1 Rev. H. Salter tells me that this Peter,
son of Herbert, is the father of Sir Reginald
of no. 238, and that Sir Reginald came into
his inheritance in 1248.
183
LINCOLNSHIRE
[SYSTON, near Grantham.]
[NOTE. — At the dissolution, 1540, Wroxton priory (Monast. iv. 372) was still paying
this £2 to Godstow.]
[240.] *An anmiyte1 of xl. shillings I-gratmtyd? by * leaf 169.
maister myghel Belet vnto the mynchons of Gode- ^of5
stowe, which the priowr and chanons of Wroxtofi)
* shold? pay e yerely out of the maner of SydestorD at * leaf 169,
ij. formes of the yere. back*
THE sentence of this charter is, that maister mygheft Belet Grant to
yaf and graunted1, to the lady Abbesse of Godestowe and to the by Michael
mynchons fher smiyng1 god1, a rent of xl. shillings yerely to be Belet, of a
4 take at ij. tmnes, that is to sey, xx. shillings atte vtas of of £2 to be
whitsontyde, and xx. shillings atte vtas of seynt Martyne in Wroxton
wynter ; the which forsaid1 xl. shillings the forsaid1 mynchons priory out
shold1 resceive by the hande of the priour and of the chanons manor.
8 of Wroxton), to the which he assigned1 a certayne rente, in
a certayne place, at a cextayne tmne, in his maner of Sideston),
that they shold1 take the xl. shillings and pay them to the
forsaid1 mynchons atte forsaid" tmnes : he made also the forsaid1
1 2 chanons to be-hote in p^rel of ther sowles, and to swere vpon [Oath on
the holy gospels, that they shold1 paye the forsaid1 rente to the
forsaid? mynchons -wiih-ont ony gyle or disceite, aft lettyng1 and
occasion) cesyngi And that this his yifte. & cetera.
[241.] An obligacioifi of the priour of WroxtorD by ndyng1 About
hym-self and his Covente to pay the forsaid? xl. 1220'
shillings atte tarmes I-assigned?.
16 THE sentence of this obligaciorD is, that hugh, priour of the obligation
place of owre lady of Wroxton, and aft the Couente that there *° H^h™'
seruecT god1 and oure lady, bounde theym and ther successours prior of
1 Not included in pope Celestine Ill's confirmation (no. 902), 1192, and therefore
of somewhat later date.
184
Lincolnshire : Bydeston
Wroxton,
for pay-
ment of
the rent-
charge, as
in no. 240.
Penalty for
neglect to
pay, £1.
* leaf 155,
About
1220.
Duplicate
of no. 241.
for euer to pay vnto the abbesse of Godestowe and to the
couente of the same place yerely xl. shillings of siluer, that is to
sey, xx. shillings atte vtas of seynt Martyne in wynter, and
xx. shillings atte vtas of whitsontyde: The which forsaid1 4
xl. shillings theirs patrone, maister Migheit Belet, assigned? to
them, to be take in his maner of SydestofD, where he yaf
to them x. poundeworth of londe, as the charter of hit
witnesseth, the which they haue. And they made the forsaid1 8
obligacion) in many maners : for they swore into ther sowles
that they wold1 paye atte forsaid1 termes the forsaid? payment of
iij. marke without fraude or occasion), aft agayne-seiyngp and
lette sesyng1, and occasion); And they confermed? with ther 12
conuentueft seale that is I-hangecT to this writyng1, vndir payne
of xx. shillings for euery faile that happened1; Also they
subiected1 them-self specially in this behalf to the lurisdiccion)
of the bisshop of lyncolne that were for the tyme, And also to 16
the Archidekon) of OxenforcT, that they two, or one of them,
myght compelle them, wztAoute ony agaynsaiyng1, to the forsaide
payment, and to the peyne yf hit were cowmytted1; And who-so-
euer were I-made priour shold1 swere that he shold? truly obsmie 20
this obligacion). These beyng- witnesse, & cetera.
[242.] *An obligacion of the Priour of Wroxton),
I-made to the Abbesse of Godestowe, for xl. shillings
yerely.
THE sentence of this obligacion) is, that the priour and
Couente of the place of Wroxton) bounde them-self and ther
successours for euer to yelde yerely to the abbesse and couente 24
of Godestowe xl. shillings of siluer, that is to sey, xx. shillings at
the vtas of seynt Martyn) in wynter and xx. shillings at the
vtas of whitsontyde, the which xl. shillings maister Migheft
belet theirs patrone 1- assigned? to them, to be take in his maner of 28
Sydeston), wher he yaf to them x. pounde.
[Leaf missing.]
1 Wroxton priory was founded by Michael Belet early in 1217.
185
MIDDLESEX
» i
[LONDON.]
[243. * Charter of Hugh, archdeacon of Leicester, for *
a shop in West Cheap.
About
HUGH, Legre. archidiaconus, informs Kalph (de Diceto), dean, 1181 ?
and the chapter of St. Paul's, that he has given to Godstow Godstow,
land which Hugh son of John holds of him, viz. the shop in b^ Hugk>
4 Westcheap which Bernard Caldebuf held of Osbert his father, of Leices-
and of (Hugh's brother) Richard son of Osbert, as his brother
Richard gave it to him. West,
Witnesses : — William, archdeacon of London, etc.]
[NOTE. — Rev. H. Salter points out to me a difficulty of dates. According to
Le Neve, Hugh was made archdeacon of Leicester in 1148, and ceased to be arch-
deacon 'before 1180.' This would push back the deed to the time of Ralph de
Langford, dean of St. Paul's, who died about 1152. But, on the other hand, this
West-Cheap rent-charge does not appear in Henry II's confirmations of 1156 or 1165,
and does appear in that of 1182. Ralph de Diceto became dean in 1181.]
[244. * Charter of Henry son of Ailw.1 of London. * Exchequer
MS. leaf ii.
8 SAID Henry gave to Godstow, for the soul of king Henry Grant to God-
and his own soul, 55. of quit-rent of the land which Laurence £
pistor held of him outside Bissopesgate, to be taken on the of a rent-
day of his obit yearly.] founfa^obit.
[NOTE. — In pope Nicholas IVs Taxatio Ecclesiastica, 1291, this is still found, viz. 5,
in St. Botulph's parish outside Bishopsgate, London.]
[245. * Grant by Nicholas of Cerontha 2 son * Exche-
. _ _ , . quer MS.
of Martin. leafii.
About
SAID Nicholas gave to Godstow, for the soul of his brother
and his own, a half-marc of rents in London, to be paid half- G-odstow,
yearly, viz. at Easter and Michaelmas, viz. of the land of
1 This Henry fitz-Ailwyn is set down as from about 1189 till his death in 1212.
the first mayor of London, holding office 2 Possibly ' Geroutha.'
186 Middlesex : London
rontha of the nuns of Stratford, 28. ; of the land of Martin listor, 35. Sd. ;
charges of the land of Clement clerk, Sd. ; and of his own laud, 4c£.]
68. Sd.
* leaf 101, [246.] *A licence I-made to Edmond1 Mabaunke that
he mysnt yeve to tlie niynchons of G-odestowe one
1325
Juiyi6. mese in Fletestrete in the subarbis of london,
notwz't/istandyng1 the statute of mortmayii).
Licence in THE sentence of this licence is, that kyng1 Edwarde, kyng1 of
by Ed- EngloncP & cetera, willed1 to be know that, though hit were 4
ward II, I-ordeyned1 and by statute I-made that hit shold1 not be lawfuft
to religious peple to entre the fee of ony man in such wise that
hit shold1 come to morte mayne with-out his licence and of the
allowing chief lord1 of the which that thynge was I-holde immediatly, 8
MaSmckto Natheles, by a fyne the which the \velbeloued1 to hym in crist
^e a^esse °f Godestowe made with hym, he grauntecT and yaf
licence, for hym and his heires as moche as was in hym, to
Street6 to Edmond Mabanl^that he myght yeve and assigne to the forsaid1 12
endow a Abbesse and mynchons, and to ther successours, into help of the
chantry at .
Great Tew, susteynyng1 of a Chapelaym? to synge for ever masse m the
shire! " worship of our lady in the chirch of more Tywe. And he
grauntecT to the same abbesse and Couente that they myght 16
resceive and hold1, to them and to there successours, the forsaid1
" leaf 192. mese with the pertynentis of the forsaide * Edmond? for ever, as
hit is I-said? afore. Also by the tenoure of this present writynge
he yaf special! licence, not willyng1 that the forsaid" Edmond? 20
or his heires or the forsaid1 abbesse and mynchons and ther
successours by the reason) or cause of the statute aforsaicT shold1
be occasioned1 or greved1 in ony thyng1 therof by hym or by his
heires, Savyng^ nathelesse to hym, and to other, seruycis therof 24
dewe and I-wonycP. In-to witnesse of the which thynge he
made to be made these his lettres patentis, hym-self beyng-
witnesse, atte Towre of London), the xvj. day of lule, the xix.
yere of his reigne. 28
* Exchequer [247. * Licence by Roger (de Martival), bishop of
back!6 1325, Salisbury (1315-'30), as feudal superior, to Edmund
July 95. Maubanck.
Licence in LICENCE by Roger, bishop of Sarum, allowing Edmund
ihe bishop of Maubanck to feoff Godstow in a messuage in Fletestrete,
Middlesex : London 187
which is of the fee of his see, and empowering God stow to Salisbury, to
receive the same. Given at Sonnyng, on Thursday, the feast S^fo^the
of St. James the Apostle, 19 Edward II.] same purpose.
[248. * Grant by Edmund Maubanck to Margery Dyne, * Exche-
abbess, and the Convent of G-odstow. iSn?8'
1325,'
Sept. 7.
4 EDMUND Maubanck grants Godstow his messuage in Flete- Grant to "
stret in the suburb of London, between the messuage of Walter byEdmnnd
atte sloo next the door of the bishop of Sarum and the messuage Mabanck,
of John Wolfeld, to provide a chaplain to celebrate in the church suage in
8 of Great Tew, and to pay to himself a pension of 7 marcs to endow*
yearly for his life-term. Sept. 7, 1 9 Edward II. <£*£?? w
Witnesses : — Hamo de Chigewell, mayor of London ; and subject to a
John of Causton and Quinton (?) of Folesham, sheriffs.]
£4 138. 4d.
[NOTE.— At the dissolution, 1540, Godstow still owned (Monast. iv. 375) a house in
St. Bride's parish which was let for £2 to the churchwardens of that parish.]
188
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
[NoTE. — Godstow's interest in this county came from a grant at the foundation
(no. 4) in 113!, at Halso or Halse, and was increased by rent-charges in Brackley
before Henry II's third charter (no. 886) in 1182. Further purchases were made
at Brackley and Evenley early in the thirteenth century. In pope Nicholas IV's
Taxatio Ecclesiastica, 1291, Godstow was reckoned to have land in Halso and Brackley
worth £3 i8s. 6d., and tithes to the value of £3 gs. 8d. In 1540, at the dissolution
(Monast. iv. 376), there is no mention of Brackley or of Evenley, and Godstow is set
down as receiving out of ' Halse manor (late lord Lovell, now lord Derby) ' only
£2. The rent-charge of £5 (at Bozeat) was, in 1540, still paid to Godstow by
St. James's Abbey, Northampton.]
* leaf 210.
1222, Sept.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Ralph
Harange,
a justiciary
under king
John,
with con-
sent of his
son Ralph,
a cleric,
of a mes-
suage,
vineyard,
dove-house,
lands and
manorial
rights over
freeholds
and over
bondmen
tenants,
[BOZEAT.]
[249.] *A Charter of Raaf Harange I-made to the
mynchons of Godestowe confermyng1 to hem att the
lond? that he had1 in the towne of Bosegate.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Raaf Harange, yaf,
grauntecT, and by his present charter confermecF, to god and to
our lady Seynt Marie and to seynt John Baptist of Godestowe
and to the mynchons ther servyng1 god, for the helthe of his 4
lordis soule kyng1 henry sone of kyng1 lofin, and for the helthe
of his owne soule and of Isabelle his wyf, and for the soule of
his lord1 kyng1 John, and for the soules of att his auncetours,
and for the helthe of Eaaf his sone and heire and Alice his wyf, 8
and for the helthe of att his heires, with the consent of the same
Raaf his sone and heire, att his lond1 which he had1 in the towne
of Bosegate of the yifte of Robert Bluet, that is for to sey,
a Chief mesuage, a vyne-yerde, a gardeyne, a Culuerhous, and 12
v. yerdis of lond1, with att the pertynentis, that is to sey, with
homagis and service of william the sone of Eaaf of Bosegate,
and with att the bondmen of the same lond1 holdyng1 and with
att theire sequele : To have and to holde, to the forsai6Ti6
Mynchons, of hym and of his heires, in fre pure and perpetuel
almes, with londis, medis, lesues, and pastures, with wodes and
Northamptonshire : Boseyate 189
aft other thyngis, vnto the forsaid? lond? perteynyng1, yeldyng1 quit-rent,
i lb. of
pepper,
therof yerly a pound?, of pepir, and to do alt maner of services as I b* °
moche as perteyneth to the forsaid1 lond1, for which pounde
4 of pepir and foreyne service the same mynchons shaft acquyte
hym and his heires ayenst the chief lordes, which forsaid1 lond1,
as it is aforsaid1, with aft his pertynentis, he yaf and assigned1 to be a
specially vnto a pytaunce of the same mynchons in help of fheStohra.
8 susteynyngi of ther kechyn). And the forsaid? Raaf Harange and of God-
his heires, aft the forsaid? lond?, with aft the pertynentis, to the
forsaid? mynchons, ayenst aft maner of peple shal warantije.
And that this his yifte shold1 stond? stable, to this present
12 *writyngp he hath sette to his scale. Aft this was done in the * leaf 219,
yere of grace a thousand1 two hundred? and xxij., in the moneth c '
of Septembre, in the presence of kyng1 henry at wodestol^. Thise
beyng1 witnesse : Martyne of Pateshuft, Stephyne of Segrave,
1 6 Thomas of Hey den), Robert of Laxanton), Raaf of Trouble vyle,
lohn Russeft, Adam of Staweft, Stephyne of Freteweft, Piers
Talemasch, Raaf Harange, Clerkj, Richard? of Lega, Hugh Lupo,
and many other.
[250.] A-nother charter of the same Raaf. 1222, Sept.
20 THE sentence of this charter is, that Raaf Harange yaf, Modifica-
gravntecT, and by his present charter confermed1, to god and to no< 249>
oure Lady Seynt Marie and to seynt lohn Baptist of Godestow
and to the mynchons ther servyng1 god, for the helth of his lord by Ralph
24 kyng1 Henry sone of kyng" lohn, and for the helth of his owne
soule and of Isabeft his wyf, and for the helth of Raaf his sone
and heire and Alice his wyf, and for the helth of aft his children), on the
and for the soule of Jordan) his sone and for the soules of scribed in
28 lohane and Agneis his doughtirs and for the soules of aft theire no< .
children), and for the soules of aft his predecessours and of which is
successours, and also with the wille and consent of the same to^tf1^
Raaf his sone and heire, Aft the lond1 the which he had? in the it^es'3
Abbey,
32 towne of Bosegate of the yifte of Robert Bloette, that is for to Northamp-
sey, his chief Mesuage, a vyneyerd1, a gardyne, a culverhous, and
v. yerdes lond?, with aft his pertynentis, that is to sey, with
honmgis and service of william the sone of Raaf of Bosegate,
36 and with aft bonde tenauntis of the same lond? with aft theire
190
but subject
to a rent-
charge to
provide at
Godstow
* leaf 211.
a pittance
in the
kitchen of
143. in each
of the
seven
weeks of
Quinqua-
gesima and
Lent,
and a pit-
tance Of 28.
for the
infirmary.
Northamptonshire: Bosegate
sequeles : To have and to hold1, to the same mynchons, of hym
and his heires, in fre and pure p^rpetuej almes, with londis,
medis, lesues, and pastures, witft wodes, and aft other thyngis
to the forsaid1 londis perteynyng1, yeldyngp therof yerly vnto the 4
heires of Robert Bluett a pound1 of pepir for al maner services,
Savyng> foreyne seruyce perteynyng1 to so moche lond! This
forsaid1 lond1, as hit is aforseicT, with alt his pertynentis, he yaf
and assigned1 hit specially vnto a pitaunce of the same mynchons 8
into help of the susteynyng1 of theire kechyfi). Of whiche lond?
* the forseid1 mynchons shaft take yerely of the Chanons of
Seynt lames of NorthamptorD an hundred1 shillyngis, which
I wolle it be as I assigne hit, that is to sey, every weke fro the 12
sonday of quinquagesime vnto Estir day, xiiij. shillings vnto
their e forseid1 pitance to be ordeyned?; and ij. shillings of the
residue of the forsaid? hundred? shillyngis I assigne specially to
the pitance of the sike mynchons. , And the forsaid1 Kaaf 16
Harange and his heires, aft the forsaid? lond~, with aft the
pertynentis, to the forsaid1 mynchons, ayenst aft maner of peple
did? warantije. And that this his yifte shold1 abide sure, to this
present writyng1 he put to his seale. These beyng1 witnesse : 20
Martyne of Pateshulle, Stephyne of Segrave, Thomas of HeydefD*
Robert of Laxynton), Raaf of Trublevitt, lohn Russeft, Adam of
Stawel, Stephyne of Fretewelle, Piers Talemasche, Raaf
Harange, Clerl^, Richard1 of Lega, Hugh Lupo, and many other. 24
Aft this was done in the yere of grace a thousand? two hundred?
xxij., in the monethe of Septembre, in presence of kyng1 henry at
wodestoljj.
1222,
Sept.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow,
by Ralph
Harange
junior, of
his father's
gift of the
rent-
charge, as
in no. 250,
[251.] A Confirmacion of Raaf, the sone and heire of
the seid?B,aaf.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Raaf Harange the sone 28
of Raaf Harange, yaf, grauuted?, and by his present charter
confermed1, the yifte the whiche the forsaid? Raaf his fadir made
to god1 and to our lady seynt Marie and to seynt lohn Baptist
and mynchons of Godestowe, of an yerely rent of an hundred? 3 2
shillyngis, whicli rent he assigned1 vnto the sustentacion) of the
kechyn) of the forsaid1 mynchons: To hold1, to the forseid1
mynchons for evermore, as the charter of the forsaid1 Raaf his
Northamptonshire : Bosegate 191
fadir which they have therof sheweth and berith witnesse. Thise
beyng1 witnesse : Raaf Troublevyle, lohn Russell the kyngis
Seneschatt, Adam of Stanweft dispensare of1 ser Guarmo the
4 kyngis Chapeleyne, william de Fychecot, SymoncF of hynton),
Stephyne of Fretewett, Piers Talamassh, lohn Chapelayne, and
many other.
[252.] *A Charter of Felice Abbesse of Godestowe * leaf 211,
I-made to the Abbot of Seynt lames of Northampton. 1222, Sept.
THE sentence of this charter is, that Felice, Abbesse of Grant by
8 Godestowe, and the Covent of the same place, yaf, grauntecT, J^gf10^
and by theire present Charter confermed1, to god and to our James's
lady seynt marie and to the chirch of seynt lames of Northamp- Northamp-
ton) and to the Chanons the? servyng1 god, all theire lond? of ton'
12 Bosegate of the fee of Robert Bluet which they had1 in the same of no. 249,
towne of the yifte of ser Raaf Harang1, that is for to sey, a chief
messuage and a gardeyne and a vyneyerd1, a Culuer-house, and
v. yerdis of lond1, with the pertynentis, that is to sey, with
1 6 homage and service of william the sone of Raaf of Bosegate, and
with all the bonde-holders of the same lond1 with all theire
sequelis : To have and to hold1, to the forsaid1 Chanons for ever-
more, vfith londis, medis, lesues, pastures, wodis, and aft other
20 thyngis vnto the same lond1 perteynyng1, of theyme and their subject to
successours, yeldyng1 thereof yerely to theyme at seynt lames ^*eni~
of Northampton) an hundred1 shillyngis of sterlyngis at twey in no. 250,
termes in the yere, that is to sey, the Sonday of Sexagesime in timeof
24 fyfty shillyngis, and on Midel lenton) Sonday fyfty shillyngs, Lent'
Also yeldyng1 a pounde of pepir, And to do all foreyne service
asmoche as perteyneth to that lond1, and ayenst the chief lordes.
Be hit knowe that yf the said1 Chanons pay not the forsaid?
28 money within viij. dayes after the termes afore rehersed1, than
it shall be lefuft to hem to distreyne the same chanons vpon all Powers of
that lond1, by all theire catatt that may be founde, vnto the pay- 1S ram '
ment and also to the costis in the defaute thereof. And they
32 and theire successours, to the forsaid1 Chanons and theire suc-
cessours, the same loud1, * with all his pertynentis, waran^ed! * leaf 21 2.
And yf so be, that by their defaute, or by their warantijyng" ^0^te"
that they lese any part of the forseid1 lond1, than, by the con- reduction
1 Something is lost. Not in Latin copy.
192
in rent-
charge, if
warranty
is insuf-
ficient.
Northamptonshire : Bosegate
sideracion) of lawfuft men, aftir the rate hit shaft be abated1 out
of the seid1 ferme of an hundred1 shillyngis. And to the more
surenesse, this charter is made endented1, and to the parte that
remayneth with the said1 Chanons the seid1 mynchons have put 4
to theire seale, And to the parte that remayneth wiih the said1
mynchons the said1 Abbot and Covent hath put to her seale.
Thise beyng1 witnesse : Martyne of Patteshulle, R,aaf Harange,
Stephyne of Segrave, Thomas of heyden), and many other. 8
* leaf 211. [253.] * A relese of the Abbot of seynt lames of Nor-
12501? thamptorD I-made to Raaf harange of a vyneyerd? in
Bosegate.
Sale to
Kalph
Harange,
* leaf 211,
back.
by St.
James's
Abbey,
Northamp-
ton, of the
vineyard
included
in nos. 249,
250, but
without
affecting
the rent-
charge to
G-odstow.
Purchase
money,
£2 135. 4<Z.
* leaf 212.
1329,
Oct. 20.
[Luke =
Oct. 18.]
Quit-claim
by
Godstow
of a claim
for arrears
of rent-
charge as
in no. 250,
THE sentence of this relese is, that Adam1, abbot of seynt
lames of Northampton), and the Covent of the same place,
relesed1 and * quyteclaymed1, to ser Raaf Harang1 and to his
heires, a vyneyerd1 in Bosegate, which somtyme they held? to- 12
gedir with other londes of the Abbesse and Covent of Gode-
stowe, yeldyng5 neverthelesse theire fuft yerely ferme of the
residue of the forseid1 londes to the forsaid1 Abbesse and Covent
of Godestow, that is to sey, an hundred shillyngis, as it is con- 16
teyned1 in theire pryncipaft Charter. And for this relesse and
quyteclayme, the forsaid1 Raaf yaf to hem foure marke of siluer.
Thise beyng1 witnesse : ser henry, parson) of Torent, ser Bernard1,
Chapeleyne of Godestowe, Raaf of seynt Germayng, and many 20
other.
[254.] * A contraversy was meved1 bitwene the forsaid?
Abbot of seynt lames of Nor thamptorD and the
Abbesse of Godestowe.
THE sentence of this stryf is, that the fry day next aftir the
fest of seynt luke the Euangelist, the yere of the reigne of
kynge Edward? the thirde fro the conquest the thirde, ther was 24
a strif and a discorde bitwene Margery Dyne, abbesse of Gode-
stowe, playntyf, of that one partie, and Nicholas, Abbot of seynt
lames without Northampton), on that other partie, began) as for
the arreragis of an yerely rent of an hundred shillyngis yerely, 28
owyng1 vnto the seid1 Abbesse of dyuerse tenementis of the same
Abbottis in Bosegate, in this forme here after thei were
1 Adam was abbot 1241 to 1265.
Northamptonshire : Bosegate 193
accorded1: That is for to sey, that the forseid1 Abbesse, for her
and her successours, yaf, relesed1, and alt wey quyteclaymed1, to
the forseid1 abbot and to his successours al maner of arreragis of
4 rent I-axed1 or to be axed1, and also aft other accions of dette or
of ony other thyng1 fro the begynnyng1 of the world1 vnto the and pro-
day of the makyngi of this endenture, And the forseid? abbot
knowleched1 hym-self to be bounden), to the seid1 Abbesse and to Abbey,
-H i «ii • f i i Northamp-
8 her successours, in an hundred? smllyngis ot yerly rent, to be ton, to pay
paid1 to theym or to there certeyne attorney at tvvayne termes
in the yere, that is to sey, at the fest of Sexagesyme fyfty regularly
shillyngis, and at the myddel of lente fyfty shillyngis. And to in Lent, '
12 the more sikernesse of the forsaid1 yerely rent, wele and truly
to the forsaid!1 Abbesse and to her successours or to theire
attorney at the forsaid? termes to be paid1, The forsaicT Abbot for and grant
hym and his successours bounden aft the[r] londes and tenementis °f aS^
16 in Bosegate to the distreynyng1 of the same rent » That is for to traint-
sey, yf so be that the forsaid? rent be behynde at any of * the * leaf 212,
seid1 termes in par tie or in aft, that than hit shaft be lefuft to the ac '
forseid1 Abbesse and to her successours in aft the londis and
20 tenementis aforsaid1 to distreyne, and the distresses to with-hold1
vnto the tyme that they, or theire attorney, of aft the arreragis
of the forsaid1 rent thei be fully satisfied1. To the which forsaid?
couenaunt to be ratified" in truly, in the forme aforseicT, a this
24 half the day of seynt Hugti the bisshop, now next comyng1 after [St. Hugh
the date of this present writyng1, to be fulfilled1 and kept, the s=Nov> X7-1
parties aforenamed1 to thise present endentures everich of hem
to others have sette to theire seales4
[255.] A Composiciorl) I-made bitwene the Abbot of 1329,
Seynt lames of Northampton) and the Abbesse of
Godestowe, & cetera.
28 THE sentence of this composicion) is, that Nicholas, by the Obligation
grace of god1 Abbot of Seynt lames next Northampton), and f>e gtow%y
Covent of the same place, Sendith gretyng1 in our lord1 god] ?tbbjames's
Be hit knowen that where we had? and held1 a chief mesuage, Northamp-
32 with Curtilagis, vyneyerdis, gardynes, Culuerhous, to-gedir vtith COrdanceC~
v. yerdis of arable lond1, medis, wodes, and pastures, and vtith with the ,
' .* . agreement
other pertynentis, to-gedir with homagis, wardis, relefis, in no. 254,
194?
Northamptonshire: Bosegate
to pay /s
yearly,
Eschetis, and seruyces of fre tenantis and of bondmen and her
bodyes with their sequelis of the same tenement holdyng1, in
Bosegate, of the yifte and feflenient of dame Felice, somtyme
abbesse of Godestowe, and the Covent of the same place, to 4
them and to there successours for evermore, yeldyng1 therof
yerely to the same Abbesse and Covent of Godestow an hundred"
shillyngis of sterlyngis at two termes in the yere in the Abbey
of seynt lames before remembred1, that is to sey, the Sonday of 8
Sexagesyme fyfty shillyngis, and on mydlent Sonday fyfty
shillyngis, for alt seculer seruyce and demaunde. They wolle
and graunte, and by this present writyng1 byndith hem, and aft
their successors, and also aft theire maner of Bosegate, to the 12
forseid1 abbesse and Couent of Godestowe and to her successours,
in the forseid? hundred1 shillyngis in the termes and place before-
seicT wele and truly to be paid1, without ony lenger delay or
tariyngi And yf they pay not, and ony of the termes be past, 16
* leaf 213. anon hit shal be leful to j?e * same Abbesse and Couent, and to
ther successours, or to ther procurator, bothe in the forsaicTtene-
mentis which of hem they held? as it is aforseid1, and also in aft
^e res^ue °^ ^elr m&ner of Bosegate, over aft and in every 20
parceft, to distreyne aftir their owne wil, without ony withseiyngi
°f them or ther successours, And tho distresses to kepe vnto
tyme of the rent aforseid? they be fully contente and paid?, with
costis and damagis that thei toke in the tariyng- of the payment 24
therof. And for this recognycion, graunte, and obligacion), the
said1 Abbesse and Covent of Godestow relesed? to hem aft the
arreragis of the same rente that was at ony tyme behynd? vnto
the day of the makyng' of this present writyng1. In witnesse of 28
which thyng1, to thise present writyng1 endented1 eche of hem have
sette her seles to other. Thise beyng» witnesse : Ewstace of
Burneby, william of Seymowr, william of Brut on), Geffrey of Bray,
William of waydow, william of Tyeken, Thomas of seynt Hillary, 32
and other. The date is in the abbey of Seynt lames next North-
ampton), the monday next aftir the fest of Alhalowen, the yere
of the reigue of kyng Edward the thirde aftir the conquest the
thirde. 3<>
Bowers to
distrain
manor.
Northamptonshire : 1 Brackeley 195
[BKACKLEY: see also in no. 269 in Halso.]
[256.1 * A chartur of Siluester of brackeley of an hows. *ieaf XVI
or 28,
THE sentence of fys chartur is, \>at frere aleyne, procuratur
of ]>Q hospital of seywt lohn of brackeley, & fe brethyrne of fe 1200.
same place, gafe & grauntyde, & confermyde with her wrytynge, Silvester,
4 to syluester, Marchaunt, of brackeley, the hows f e [whyche] was JJ^Brack*
of Gaufryde fitj petur, fat is to sey, ])Q hows fat is sette by- ley, by St.
twene f e hows of Salomon chapeleyn & fe hows of Roger Hospital,
Skynner, to be holde to fee-ferme of hem for euyr, to hym & to Brackley,
8 hys heyiys, frely & quietly, paynge fere of yerly v. shillings with
for aft seruice fat longed" to hem, at thre termys by f e yere, fat
is to sey, at Myhelmasse, xx. cT: at candeftmasse, xx. d1: & at [Three
. terms in
wytsontyde, xx. oT. They acquityd1 fe fore-seyde burgage a- a year.]
1 2 geynyste f e erle * of f e ferme of f e fore-seyde hows, fat is to
sey, of ix. d1. by f 9 yere ; and f e foreseyde siluester & hys heyrys
sholde answere to f e erle & to hys baylyfs of aft of er customys :
& for thys gefynge & grauntynge the fore-seyde syluester gafe
1 6 to hem xxv. shillings in warisune : & they warantnyd1 be fore- Purchase
. . . money,
seyde hows, with the pertinences, aftur f ® liberte of byinge & of ^i 5^.
syllynge in f e cowrte of the erle in f e town of brackeley, to f e [liberty of
foreseycT syluester & to hys heyrys a-geynyste alt men & is wit/i- selling.]
20 out date.
[257.] * Chartur of siluester of brackeley of all hys tene- * leaf xv
mentes in brackeley. back*
About
* THE sentence of thys chartur is fat siluester of brackeley 1210.
gafe, grauntyd1, & coTifermyoTwitA hys wrytynge, to god & to our" Or 28.
lady seynt Marye & to fe churche of seyrct lohn baptiste of
24 Godestowe & to the mynchons fere seruynge god1, in- to pu? & by Silvester
perpetuel almys, for hys sowle helthe & of hys wyfe & aunce- ° Brackley>
tours & successours, alle hys tenementes in fe town of
brackeley, fat is to sey, fat hows with f e pertinences f e whych of three
28 he bowhte of william fitj Osebert, Merchaunte ; & fat hows houses>
with fe pertinences fat he bowht of fe heyrys of Ernalde
throtebolle ; & fat hows with f e pertinences fat he helde of f e
1 Robert (fitz-Parnell), earl of Leicester, 1190-1204.
O 2
196
Northamptonshire : If Brackeley
[Brackley
Hospital.]
[Saier de
Quincy,
earl of
Winches-
ter, 1207-
19-J
subject to
quit-rents
of9d.,6d.,
5«-
[i. e. no. 256*]
[Three
terms in
a year.]
brethyrn of \>Q hospital of f>e holy apostels lamys & lohn of
brackeley ; to be had & to be holde, welle & in pece, frely &
quietly for euer, paynge yerly to ]>Q lorde Seer of quincy, erle
of Wynchester, ix. <T, for j?e hows bat he bowht of william 4
throtebolle, Ipai is to sey, iij. d? at J?e feste of seynt My heft, &
iij. d1 at candelinasse, & iij. d1 at Mydsomer; Also to J?e same
erle, vj. d1. for f>e hows Ipai he bowht of william fit} Osbert,
Marchauntj at the foreseyde termys ; Also, for )>e hows Ipai he 8
helde of \>e bre]?eryn of be hospital of brackeley, v. shillings, to
be payde to J>e same brethyrn at f>e foreseyde termys : & f>at hys
gyfte sholde a-byde sure & stable, he confirmycT thys wrytynge
wiih J*3 puttynge to of hys seele ; & is wttA-out date. 1 2
About
1210.
Obligation
to Godstow,
by Thomas
Turry,
by which
he sub-
mitted his
property in
Brackley to
distraint
in order to
secure to
Godstow
due pay-
ment of
i2S. rent-
charge.
[258/J An obligacion of Thomas turri of brackeley of
xij* shillings of yerly rent for the londe of yuer&ley1.
THE sentence of thys obligacion is, Ipai Thomas turry of
brackeley bownde aft hys tenauntrye in be town of brackeley
j^e whych Robert abraham sumtyme helde, in lpe same town also
be same tenement Ipai waiter dyer sumtyme helde, to be abbas 16
and couent of Godestowe or to he? baylyfs, to dystreyne hym &
hys heyrys or hys assynys, for xij. shillings of yerly rent, in lp&
whych he was bounde to hem for j?e foreseyde tenement, yf J?ey
sesyd? fro ]?e payment of lp& seyde rent in ony terme tylle lpe fore- 20
seyde rent be fully paycti In whoos wytnes he lete make hys
patent letters to f>e seyde abbas and couent & to he? successours :
& is wiih-oui date.
About
1210.
[Steane.]
Grant to
Godstow,
f Ai
of a house
in Castle
street,
[259.] The charttir of lohn fit^ allote smyth of Stene
of an hows in brackeley.
THE sentence of thys charter is Ipai lohn fits allote smyth of 24
Stene gaf & grauntyd1, & confermyd wiih hys wrytynge, to god
& to GUI' lady seynt marye & to seynt lohn baptiste & to the
abbas of Godestowe & to ]>Q mynchons bere seruynge god, in-to
pur fre & perpetuel almys, hys hows in brackeley whyche ys 28
sette in J>e castelle strete, by-twene }>e hows of Roger blake &
f>6 hows of Ranulph swayn, to be holde & to be had, frely &
1 Perhaps in error for { Brackeley.' The Evenley documents show no 1 2s. rent-charge.
Northamptonshire : If Brackeley 197
quietly, to J?e foreseyde abbas & to f>e mynchons of Godestowe,
in-to pu? & perpetuel almys, for the helf>e of hys sowle & for f>e
sowlys of hys auncetwrs, paynge Jwof by yere to f>e erle, iij. d1: quit-rent to
4 and J>e foreseyde lohn & hys heyrys warantijed? & defended1 lpQ \OI^ 3&"
fore-seyde hows with fe pertinences to f>e foreseyde abbas &
mynchons a-geynyst ait men & women, bothe fro aft maner
exaccions & also fro aft seculer demaundys : and Ipat hys gyft
8 & graunt & confirmacion sholde be ferme & stable for euyr, he
made hyt stronge by puttynge to of hys seele : & [is] without
date.
[260.] Chartur of Sehe? quincy erle of wynchester of About
j. marke of siluyr.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, Ipat sehe? quincy, erle of Confirma-
1 2 wynchester, for the loue of charite, grauntycT, & confirmyd? with stow, by
hys wrytynge, to god & to seynt Ion baptiste of Godestowe &
to J>e mynchons J?e? seruynge god, j. marke of siluer f>e whyche earlof Win-
they were wonyde to receyue of fe yelde halle of brackeley, of Of a rent-
1 6 the gyft of Robert, erle of leycetwr1, to be receyuyd by J>®
hondys of J?e pn'or & of ]?e bretherne of }>e hospitaft of brackeley, given by
namely, of a mylle Ipai J?ey heldyn in lp* same town of hym to Beaumont)
a fee-ferme : & £>at hys graunt & confirmacion sholde be sure S^1 °^
20 * for euyr to f>e fore-seyde hows & to J)e mynchons of f>e same out of Hos-
place, he strengtheoT hyt with f>e puttynge to of hys seele : & is
wyth-out date.
[261.] The chartur of dame all} Georgys I-made to * leaf
william Cotisforde of a mansion and a gardyne.
March 18.
THE sentence of ]?ys euydens is, ]?at dame alij Georgys, abbas Grant of
24 of Godestowe, & J»6 couent of fe same place, with on assent J^e lives
& consent, lete & toke to william Cotisforde & to lohne hys by Gtod-
wyfe & to Richard hys sone, to aft J>e tmne of he? lyfe, William of
a mansion wzt^ a gardyne, lyynge in J>e town of brackeley,
28 aft hys pertinences, f>e whyche mansion is sette by-twene J>e and son,
tenement of j?e foreseyde williawi & f>e tenement of J»e priory of and garden,
Eynho2, to be had & to be holde (aft J?e foreseyde mansion with aft
1 The four de Beaumont earls of Leicester were all Robert. The gift was about 1167
by the wife of the second earl : see no. 269. 3 Aynho.
198
Northamptonshire : If Brackle
quit-rent,
4*. .
[Three
terms in
a year.]
Power of
distraint.
Purchase-
money, 78.
[Gregory
= March 12.]
hys pertinences afore-seyde) to william Cotisforde, lohne hys
wyfe, & to william hys sone, frely, quietly, welle & in pece, holly
<fe worshypfully, as longe as f>ey lyvyn, paynge ferof yerly, J?e
foreseyde william, lohne, & william, to alt the terme of her 4
lyfe, to f>e foreseyde abbas & couent of J>e fore-seyde place
iiij. shillings of syluyr at iij. termys of J>® yere, pat is to sey, at
candelmas, xvj. dl; at trtnite soneday, xvj. <T; & at Mihelmas,
xvj. dl, for att seculer seruice, exaccion, & demaunde : & pQ seyde 8
abbas & couent a-foreseyde sholde waranti3e acquite & defende
att pQ foreseyde mansyon vfith att hys pertinences to william
lohne & william to the terme of he? lyfe a-geynyst att pepuls :
& aftur f>e deceasse of }>e foreseyde william lohne & william att 12
J>e foreseyde mansyon vrith hys pertinences shulde turne holly
& fully a-geyne to J>e foreseyde abbas & couent, wttft-ont ony
a-geynyst-seynge of hem or ony of he? part : $ yf hyt happyn
hem, so Ipat god forbede, to fayle in he? payment, in parte or 16
in att, in ony terme I-ordeynycT, }?ey willid & grauntycT Ipat ])Q
foreseyde abbas $ couent or her baylyfs sholde entre he?
tenementes to distreyne & to holde he? distress** til Ipat hyt were
satisfiede to J>e foreseyde abbas & couent for att pynges. For 20
J>ys takynge & letynge to ferme for termys of he? lyfe, they to
hem by-fore handys payde vij. shillings of syluer : & f>at J?ys
couenaunt, takynge & letynge, warantijynge & acquitynge sholde
byde su^e & stable thorowe att f>e foreseyde tyme, f>ey set to he? 24
seeles to fys present wrytynge endentycT, euerych a-geynyst
oper, lp& date at Godestowe, f>e soneday next aftur lp6 fest of
seynt gregori pope, J?e xxx. ye?e of J?e reyne df kynge Edwarde.
* leaf XVI
or 28,
back.
1309,
Sept. 21.
Quit-claim
to Gtodstow,
by John
and Agnes
Hawar-
dyne,
of all title
in a God-
stow tene-
ment,
[262.] *Chartur of lohn hawardyne of brackeley.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, Ipat lohn hawardyn of 28
brackeley, & agnes f>e dowhter of lohn marsehatt j?e wyfe of J>e
seyde John, relesyde & claymyd? vtturly to be quiet for euyr, for
hym & heyrys of hym or his assinis, in-to pure & perpetuett
almys, witA-out ony wrtAholdywg1, to Molde vpton, abbas of 3 2
Godestowe, & to J?e couewt of J>e same place, att hys ryht
& clayme pat he had or myht haue in ony maner in att pat
tenement with att hys pertinences ouer att, J?e whyche tenement
is sette in brackeley by-twene J?e tenement of Koger fitj adam 36
Northamptonshire : If Brackle 199
goer of f e on partye & f e tenement of the same Roger of f e of er
part, f e whyche tenement in a tyme f e fore-seyde agnes, whyle
she was sole, yeldyd & relesyd to mabyle wafre at fat tyme
4 abbas of Godestowe & to f e couent of f e same place, & claymyd
hyt to be in rest vtturly for euyr, in-to fre pu? & perpetuel
almys, to f e same abbas & couent, by liyr wrytynge, witA-out
ony w^t/i-holdynge of hyr or hyr heyrys or assynys, so fat nof er
8 she, ne none of hyr heyrys or assynys, ne no man in her name,
neuyr afturwarde myht aske or chalenge ony thynge in the
fore-seyde tenement or place wt'tA hys pertinences: and fe
foreseyde lohn hawardyn & agnes hys wyfe & heyrys warantijid
12 aquiticP & defendyd for euyr aft fat tenement, wythe aft hys
pertinences in aft places, to fe fore-seyde abbas & couent
a-geynyste aft pepuls. In-to wytnys of fys quiet- claymynge,
they sette to he? seelys, the date at Oxenforde in Maudeleyne [S. Mary
1 6 churche, fe soneday in f e fest of seynt Mathew fe apostele, fe church,
iij. yere of fe reyne of kynge Edwarde fe aone of kynge Oxford-l
Edwarde.
[263.] Chartur of a mese sette out to ferme for 1329,
iiij. shillings.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, fat f e tlmrsday in f e fest of Grant of
20 seynt Margarete virgin, fe iij. yere of the reyne of kynge three lives
Edwarde the thyrde fro J>0 conquest, a conuencion was made
by-twene dame Mariorye dyne, abbas of Godestowe, .& the to John of
couent of the same place of Ipai on party, & lohn of welle of W£fe' an(j.
24 brackeley, lohne hys wyfe, Richard \* sone of f>e same lohn *m*
& lohne, of f>at olper party, fat is to sey, fat J?e foreseyde
abbas & couent, for hem selfe & he? successours, gafe &
grauntyd1 to J»e same lohn, lohne, & Ric^ara* j. mese in brackeley, of a mes-
28 f e mese is sette nyhe f e hows of fe seyde lohn of f e norf e party ag^ne'
& fe hows of lp e rnaystur of fe hospitaft of aynho of J>e sowfe no* 3<5l>
party, to be had & to be holde lp e foreseyde mese -wiih hys
pertinences to lp e foreseyde lohn lohne & Eichard1 * and to her * ieaf
32 assynys to f e terme of he? lyfe [or] of oper of hem lenger lyuynge, XVI1
paynge ferof yerly to J>e foreseyde abbas & to J?e couent & to
her successours, iiij. shillings of sterlynges at thre termys of f e qtlit-rent
yere, fat is to sey, at f e fest of seynt Myheft, wytsonetyd1, & 4».
200
Northamptonshire : If BracJde
Power of
distraint.
Obligation
to keep in
repair.
candelmas, by euyn porcions : & yf f>e foreseyde rent of iiij.
shillings be by-hynde in ony terme a-fore-seyde, in part or in
aft, Ipat j?enne hyt sholde be lefuft to lp6 foreseyde abbas & couent
]>at they may, by he? baylyfs, in JD® foreseyde mese, as weft 4
vfith-in as wyth-out, distreyne & reteyne J>e distresses tyft J?at
they be satisfied1 fully of ]>Q rent a-foreseyde & J?e foreseyde
lohn, lohne, & Richard1 shulde susteyne j?e howses of J>e seyde
mese with her own) costys : & J?e foreseyde abbas & couent & her 8
successors sholde warantije acquite & defende f>® fore-seyde
mese with hys pertinency to f>e fore-seyd1 lohn, lohne, &
Richard, & to he? assynys, to J>e ende of J?e lyf of bof>e of hem
or of ]>? olper lenge? ly vynge, a-geynyst aft men Ipat byn dedly, 1 2
by Ipv seruices afore-seyde : in-to wytnes of J>e whyche J>ynge }>e
seelys of J?e seyde parties were hangycT, to euerych a-geynyst
cfyer, to fe wrytynge endentyd1 J»er-of : \>e date at Godestowe, J?e
day & )?e yere a-boue rehersydl 16
*leaf
XXXV or
45, back.
About
1210.
Grant to
Godstow,
by WiUianj
Foliot,
of an acre,
* leaf
XXXVI
or 46.
and of
another
acre.
[264.]
[EVENLEY.]
chartur of William foliot of Euinlei for
j. acre of londe in }>e felde of Euinlei.
THE sentence of j>is chartu? is, Ipat william foliot of Euinlei
gafe, graunticT, & confirniior, to god & to oure ladi & to seint
lohn baptiste of Godestowe & to J>e minchons there seruinge
god1, in-to pu? & perpetuel almis, j. acre of his londe in f>e weste 20
felde of Euinle, J>e whiche is of J>e fee * of }>e Erie of Winchester,
Ipat is to sei, fat londe Ipat lieth bitwene f»e londe of Richard?
mace & buttith vppon }>e hywei of cherleton ; & j. o]>er acre Ipat
buttith him-self vn-to J>e pathe of hinton, J?e whiche is of J?e fee 24
of wahuft, & lieth in necreferne J bitwene J>e londe of hernold1
goer & J?e londe of pers cheldeburi : to be had" & to be holde,
freli quietli weft & in pece & worshipfulli fro aft secule?
exaccion & demauncT: & j?e fore-seid1 w. & his heiris waran^id? 28
J>e fore-seid1 ij. acris to J?e fore-seide minchons ageiniste aft men
and? women : & is wztA-oute date.
1 Possibly netreferne, as in 201/17.
Northamptonshire : 1 Euinlei 201
[265.] * here biginnith J>e chartuB of Roger foliet fit} * ieaf
William of Euenlei for x. acris of londe in Euenlei.
About
THE sentence of Jns chartur is, \>ai Roger foliot fitj william 1215.
of Euinlei gaf, grauntid1, & confirmid1 to1, Ipe howse 2 of his fadur Q^stow
william foliot, to god & to oure ladi & seint lohn baptiste of
4 Godestowe & to Ipe abbas & to Ipe holi minchons Ipere seruinge
god, in-to pure & perpetuel almis, x. acris of londe in the towne by Roger
of Euinlei, Ipai is to sei, v. acris arable in Ipe Est felde, & v. acris ten acres,
in J>e weste felde,
8 oon of Ipe which is of fe fee of sire seere, erle of Winchester, [Saier de
& is vpporc purfurlonge, bitwene Ipe londe of Richard1 j^e sone of
mace of Brackelei & J?e londe of Gilbert childeber; an-oj?er is
a-geiniste f>e mille of cuttille, & buttife vppow Ipe forow of Ipe 19-]
12 prouoste at j. hede & vppon J>e forow of Eaph carter at J?e of>er ^
hede ; Ipe iij. acre is vppon Ipe fornecre, bitwene too halfe acris
of Ipe foreseid1 Richarde Ipe sone of Mace ; J>e iiij. acre is vppon
longe of J?e fee of f>e erle, and fallith in-to lp e hiwei, & liethe
1 6 bitwene fe londe of Richard1 mace & f>e londe of Richard
childeber; |?e v. acre is in micdelbroche, of Ipe fee of f>e erle,
& strecchith in-to a croft of lohn craton ; J>e vj. & f>e vij. acris
bin at edwardisburielis, of J?e fee of wahutt, nih J>e londe of
20 Raph fit} waiter & f>e londe of pers childeber ; J>e viij. acre
is vppon Gorbrode, of )?e fee of Ipe erle, bitwene J?e londe of
Richard1 mace & J?e londe of Gilbert of childeber, & in est perte
hit strecchith vppon J?e forow of Raph waiter; & j. acre, Ipe
24 whiche is of Ipe fee of J?e erle of Winchester, \>at is to sei, Ipai
acre Ipai lithe bitwene Ipe londe of Richard1 mace & buttith vppon
Ipe wei of cherlton ; & j. acre Ipai buttith hit-selfe vnto the patthe [Charlton.j
of hynton, Ipe whiche is lp e fee of wahuft, & lieth in netreferne [Hinton-in-
38 bitwene J>e londe of hernolde Goe? & J>e londe of pers childeber: the-hedge8-l
to be had & to be holde, of him & of his heiris, freli, pesibli,
worshipfulli, & quietli for 5 alt seruice : so \>ai Ipe seid" Roge?
foliot & his heiris waran^id? to the fore-seide abbas of
32 Godestowe & to J?e holi minchons Ipere seruinge god1 Ipat fre
almis a-geiniste att men & women liuinge, bi his owne costes, &
1 Omit to. donum, i. e. house, when it should have been
2 « donun ' (sic) in the Latin. The trans- gift.
lator has wrongly read domum, instead of 3 Bead * from.'
202
Northamptonshire : If Euintei
with such
pasture
and other
rights as
went with
them.
About
tionof265.
About
1215.
Confirma-
tion of 265.
About
1215.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Eleanor,
widow of
William
Foliot,
of 4<L quit-
rent
[Widow's
jointure.]
over
no. 265.
[Assump-
tion of
Mary =
Aug. 15 ;
Annuncia-
tion,
March 25.]
acquitid1 fro aft exaccion & demaunde & fro aft seruice owtewarde
& inwarde for euir : also he grauntid1 to J>e fore-seide abbas of
Godestowe & to J»e holi minchons Ipere seruinge god1, with Ipe fore
namicT acris, fedinge, & aft olper eisementes in weys, pathis, in 4
waturis, in goinges oute, in pasturis, & aft olper places, & liberteis
perteininge to so moni acris : & bat his graunt gifte & confirmacion
shulde be sure & stable, he put to his seele : & is with-oute date.
[266.] Chartur of Robert l foliot of Euinlei, confirminge
J>e gifte of x. acres a-fore rehersid?: & is J?e same
a-fore, worde for worde.
[267.] Anofer chartur of william l foliet, confirminge fe
same, vndu? }>e forme I-wrete a-fore.
[268.] A chartur of elenor of euinlei sum-time fe wife
of william foliot resininge iiij. d1 of rente.
THE sentence of £is chartur is, Ipat Elenore Ipe wife sum-time 8
of w. foliot of Euinlei in fre widewhode, beinge aftur be decese
of w. foliot he? husbonde, resinid & quiet-claimyd vtturli for
hi? for euir, to god & to ou? ladi & to Ipe house of seint lohn
baptiste of Godestowe & to )?e minchons "pere seruinge god1, for 12
Ipe helpe of his soule & of he? aunceturs & successours, iiij. d1 of
rente Ipe which clarice Ipat was sum-time Ipe wife of Siluester
of brackelei paid1 to hi? yerli, Ipat is to sei, for Ipe iij. parte of Ipe
x. acris of londe in Ipe felde of Euinlei, vndur Ipe name of dowri, 16
Ipe whiche she was wonid1 to receiue at to tmnis of Ipe yere, Ipat
is to sei, at Ipe assumsion of oure ladi, ij. d1; & at be annunciacion,
ij. d1: & Ipat hi? resininge & quite-claiminge sholde be sure, she
strengthicThit with Ipe puttinge to of he? seele: & is with-oute date. 20
[FAKTHINGHO : see in nos. 269, 270, 275.]
[HALSO.]
[269.]
* Of ij. marke and an half yeve by the
Erie of leycefor.
THE sentence of this charter is J>at 'Robert, Erie of
* leaf XLVIII
or 58. About
113f.
Grant to Godstow,
by Robert (Bossu),
second earl of Lei- ieicetiw, jaf & grauntid to the churcn of seynte lohn of
Possibly brother of Roger, of no. 265.
Northamptonshire : 1f Halso 203
Godestowe, in- to perpetuel almys, the rente of two marke cester, m8-68, of
& a halfe in halshpw. And amye1, countesse, hys wyfe,
3af & grauntid to f e same place the rente of two marke, and
4 of f e which oon marke in brackley & anof er in) ferynghow, grant to Godstow,
& fat with his concede; & oon plow-londe f«t2 he had cot^Sssf of J3*. 4d
fere, & bat be men bat sew hit be quite fro eryng- & in Brackley, and
0 . . _,„ / B. 13*. 4& in Farth-
harowyng1, mowyng1, sowyng1, & heyingi Where-fore he ingho, and grant
8 coramaundid the foresayde churche to holde hit of hym
& of his eyeris, weft & in pece, frely & quitly, al so welle Halso], with ex-
quietly & frely as euer he helde hit hym selfe. These beyng1 labour on the
wytnys, Raph spenser, & mony of er : & is wM-owte date. demesne-land-
[270.] Robert, Erie of leyceter, graunted? the same About
aforesaicT.
12 THE sentence of this c<wfmnacion is, fat Robert, Erie of Confirma-
leicetw, fe sone of Eob^rt, Erie, by the concent of pernel3, ^odstow
Countesse, his wyfe, & of his eyeris, for J?e sowlys of his fadur by Robert
Eob^rt & his modur Amye & for fe helth of his own sowle & of mains), "
1 6 pernel his wyfe & of his aunceturs & successoures, grauntid
& confermyd to Ipe mynchons of Godestowe a jyfte fat his fadur Leicester,
3af to hem in halso & fe jyfte fat his modur 3af to hem in of noT**?.
brackley & feryngho, as f e charter of his fadur f e which fey
20 hauen wytnyssyth & cowfermyth to fern, in-to perpetuel almys
to be holde : wherefore he wolde & commaundyd fat f e fore-
sayde mynchons scholde haue & holde the foresayde ^jftes of his
fadur & modur welle & worschipfully, free & quyte fro alle
24 seculer seruice, m-to pure & perpetuel almys, as f e charter
of his fadur wytnyssenyd, in f e which is I-schewyd what his
fadur & his modur }af to them. [Wytnes : — ] Perneft, his wyfe,
wylliam 4 his sone, & of er : & is with-owte date.
[271.] * A Confirmaciori) of the Erie of Leyceter, I-made * leaf 155,
to the mynchons of Godestowe, confermyng1 the A^[t
yifte fat his fadir yave to them in halso. nso.
28 THE sentence of this charter is, that fitj Robert, Erie of Duplicate
leyceter, willed? to be know to aft his men and frendes, that he, °f 27°'
1 Amice Waher, daughter of Kalph, 8 Petronilla de Grentemesnil, of Hink-
earl of Norfolk. ley.
8 MS. has < J>at J>at.' * William (the leper) de Beaumont.
204 Northamptonshire: Halso
by the graunte of pernylle, countesse, his wyf, and of his heires,
for the soulis of his fadir and modir, and for the helthe of his
owne soule and of Pernylle, Countesse, his wyf, and of his
Auncetowrs and successours, grauntecT, and confermecT, to the 4
mynchons of Godestowe, the yifte that his fadir yaf to them in
halso, and the yifte that his modir yaf to them in Brakley and
in Fernyngho, as the charter of there fadir, the which they haue,
witnessith and confermyth to them, in perpetuel almesse, to be 8
hold1: Wherfor he willed1 and charged? that the forsaide
mynchons ahold1 haue and hold1 the forseicT yiftis of his fadir
and of his modir, wele and worshipfully, fre and quyte
fro alt seculer smiyce, into pure and perpetuel almesse, 12
as the charter of his fadir witnessith, in the which hit is
I-shewed1 what his fadir and modir yaf to them. These beyng1,
& cetera.
*leaf
XLVIU
or 58,
back.
About
1215.
Exchange
between
Godstow
and
*leaf
XLIX
or 59.
Saier de
Qtiincy,
earl of
Winches-
ter,
of lands.
[272.] * A couenaunt of iij. acris and iij. rodis & an
half.
THE sentence of this couenaunt I-maade by-twen saere 16
Quyncy, Erie of Wynchestwr, & Julian, abbesse of Godestow,
& f>° couent of be same place, J>at is to say, bat J?e same saere
jaf to ))e fore * saide 1 Abbesse and covent iij. acres of lond1 and
iij. Rodes and an half in the Feldes of halso, that is to sey, 20
iij. acres liyng1 in longefurlange vttermost toward1 the lond1 of
the towne men, And iij. Rodes and an half of lond1 in thunfur-
lange next the sike mennys acre of Brakley 2, to be hold1 and in
pease to be possessed1, in-to pure and perpetuel almesse, vnto 24
eschaunge of iij. acres of lond1 the which the forsaid? Abbesse
and Covent yaf to the fore-named? Saere Quency and to his
heires of her crofte and half 3, for ever to be hold1, as they ben
departed? by markes. And into the confirmacion) of this chaunge 28
the parties of this convenciofD of this pagent 4 afore put to theire
Thise beyng1 witnesse, & cetera.
1 A different hand begins on*' leaf j, 59.
In the MS. the y is no longer dotted, nor
the headlines marked with H.
3 i. e. Brackley Hospital.
3 For and half read in Halso. The
Latin is : * de crofto suo in Halso in per-
petuum tenendig.'
* Latin 'pagina.'
Northamptonshire : Halso 205
[273.1 * A quyte-clayme of Raynold? of halso of j. yerct * leaf
, -p XL viii
lon(r- or 58.
About
THE sentence of this confirmation is, f>at Reynolde of halso, 1220.
in the wey of charite & for his sowle & of his aunceturs, jaf Go<Stow,
& with his charter corafermyd to god &c. a ^erde of londe in
4 halso, oon, f>at is to say, of them f>at sche * helde in ]>e tyme of a yard-
of the wydewhode of here * modur moolde, with ait pertinences
& aysemerctes, to be had & to be holde of hym & of his eyeris
for euer, in-to pure & perpetuel almys, free & quyte fro all
8 sendee & exaccion & demaunde. And he & his eyeris scholde
maynteyne & warenti^e to J>e foresayde mynchons the foresayde
londe ouer aft & agaynste aft men, & acquite them of aft maner
seculer seruice. And j>at his syfte my3ht be stable & sure, he
12 put to his seele to this wrytyng1: These beyng^ wytnys: & is
wit/i-owte date.
[274.] Of the same yerd? load?. About 1220.
THE sentence of this confirmacion is, [Margaret 2] cowntesse Confirmation
of wynchestwr, beyng1 in here own lawfuft power & wydew- * leaf '
16 hode, jaf & co/iferrnyd f>e same jerdelonde Tpat, * reynolde of
halso jaf to mynchons of Godestow in-to pure & perpetuel by Margaret,
almys, as the charter of the foresayde wytnyssyth ; & [to] this
coTifirmacion sche put to here seele: These beyng1 wytnys as feudal
0 . .,, superior, of
20 &c. : & is wtt^-owte date. no. 273.
[275.] * A Charter of Roger Quyncy. XLIX or 59
THE sentence of this charter is that Roger Quyncy, Erie 1260.
of Wynchester and constable of Scotlond?, for the helthe Grant to
of his sowle and of the sowlis of his avnceters and Roger Quincy,
24 successours, relessed1 and quyte-claymed1 to the Abbesse of ^Shester°f
Godestow, and to her successours, for her persones aft 1219-64,
maner of sutes of her Courtes, the which sutes they owed1 from attend-
to them for londes and tenawntries the which they holden) anc<
1 'Sche' and 'here' are in error for Saier de Quincy earl of Winchester (who
'he* and 'his.' The Latin is: ' imam died 1219), owned the Halso estate, as
scilicet ex illis quam tenui tempore vidui- co-heiress of her brother Robert (fitz-
tatis Matildis matris mee,' Parnell), fourth earl of Leicester.
2 Margaret (de Beaumont), widow of
206
at his
manorial
courts, except
by their
steward on
occasion of the
king's writ
but the obliga-
tion of attend-
ance is re-
tained on
Godstow
tenants.
Northamptonshire : Halso
of his 'fee in halso, Brakley, and farnyngho, So nathelesse
that, yf necle were the sewters of the forsaicT court sholcT
come fully to the strengthe of the courte for the kyngis breef
or writte ther to be denied? at that tyme, the said1 Abbesse 4
and her successours whan they ben) resonably somoned? shul
send1 thedir then5 certayn) steward1: but the? tenauntes
shold1 come to the said1 courte, as they were I-woned1 to do.
In-to witnesse of this he put his seale to this writyng\ 8
Thise beyng1 witnesse & cetera.
*leaf
XL VIII
or 58,
back.
1279,
May 17.
Confirma-
tion to
Godstow,
by Ela,
lady
Zouche of
Ashby, of
her great-
great-
grand-
parents'
and other
predeces-
sors' gifts
(nos. 269
and 270),
[Roger de
Quincy,
earl of Win-
chester,
die^l 1264.]
[Alan le
Zouche, of
Ashby,
d. ,269.]
and grant
of addi-
tional
privileges.
[276.] * A confirmaciofi) of Elene Such of the tenemeutis
and rentis aforsaid1 & cetera.
THE sentence of this confirmacion is that elene Such, dowghter
& eyere of goode sire Roger Quyncy, sumtyme Erie of Wyn-
chestitr, after sche had say the charters of goode sirys Robert 12
sumtyme erle of leicetur Ipe eldur & of Robert of the same place
the jungur, vppon f»e ry:jhtes & possessiouns of the ladyis of
Godestow abbesse & Couente, in the londys tenemewtes rentes
& olper ry:jhtes longyngp to the sayde religiouse women in the 16
town of halso & brackley (J>at is to say, the charters not
cancellyd or crossyd, not destroyid ne defoyllyd in) no parte,
of Ipe jyftes & confirm acions of the[m]), She, wyllyng1 goode
wylle, eue[n] like as they had, to J>e same holy religiouse 20
women to continue with goode wylle, grauntid & confermyd by
the tenoure of this presente wrytyng- alle & euerych syftes in)
the fore-namyd places, for ]>e helth of here sowle & of here
faf>er sire Roger Quyncy & of here eyeres, so J>at Ipey scholde 24
haue in mynde the sowlys Afore in alle here prayeris suffrages
& benefettes for euer, in-to pure & perpetuel Almys ; with J>ys
more, \>ai ]>e foresayde Abbesse & couente for here selfe & alle
here men be free & quiet of scuage & sute of here myllys. And 28
fe foresayde elene and here eyeris waranti^ed & defendid for
euer aft & euerych Ipe sayde 5yftes & cowfirmacions in ]>e fore-
namyd places to pe fore-sayde abbesse & to here successoures in
aft maner thynges agaynste Aft men, & defendid them for euer. 32
In-to wytnys of this thyng1 sche put to here seele. The date at
halso, the wonysday Afore wytsonday, the seuenyth jere of Ipe
reyne of kyng^ Ed \varde the sone of kyng- henry.
Northamptonshire : Halso 207
[277.] Ale^reof attowrney of the possession of the same. 1296,
April o.
THE sentence of this charter is, fat Elene Such ordeynyd, Letter of
made, & sette, here welle louyd & trow syre wyllyam Gadeby
here stywarde & atturney to take in here name & place to
4 fabbesse of Godestow & here couente or to f>ere atturney futt Zouche,
& pesible sesynyng1 of fowre acris & halfe a rodde of arable exchange
londe & of a pasture in the feldis of halso, after Ipe tenowre of specified in
here charter the which she maade to J»e same of fe foresayde
8 londe & pasture in Ipe fore-sayde feldis of halso. Furpermore,
she ordeynyd & set the foresayde sire wylliam here atturney to
receyue in here name full sesynyng1 of fowre acres & a halfe
& of halfe a rodde of arable londe & of oon pasture in commune
12 of thorney of halso, after J?e tenowre of Ipe charter }?at Ipe fore-
sayde abbesse maade there-of to here. In-to wytnys of this she
put to here seele to J?ys presente wrytyng. The date At
swanyshey, the moneday nexte Afore Ipe feste of seyntes tiburce [Tiburcius
16 & Valerian, the fowre & twentyeth ^ere of Ipe reyne of kyng1 rian =
Edwarde the sone of kyng> henry. Apr> I4<-1
[278.] * A Charter I-made bitwene dame Elene Sucli * leaf
& the Abbesse of G-odstowe. or 59.
THE sentence of this chartir is, that the Sonday xv. dayes
after Ester, f>e yere of the reigne of kyng1 Edward1 the sone of
20 kyng harry the xxiiij., it was accorded, bitwene dame Elene Godstow
Suche of the one partie And the Abbesse of Godestow and the j^y a>
Covent of the other partie, that is to sey, that the forsaid? dame
Elene yaf graunted1, & with this present charter conformed1, for
24 her and her heires and her assignes, to the forsaid1 abbesse and
Covent of the hous aforesaid1, iiij. acres and an half acre and half
a Eode of arable lond? in the feldes of Halso, liyng^ nygh the of lands,
hornys crosse, of the which one hede buttith toward1 the hornes-
28 crosse and the other hede vpon the forow of Adam Eede, the
whiche he holdith in vilenage or bondage of the said? dame
Elene, into an eschaunge of iiij. acres and an half and half
a rode of lond1 liyng1 in J>e thorneholte of Halso, the which lond?
32 the forseid? Abbesse and Covent had? of the yifte of the aunceturs
of the forsaid? dame Elene, to be hold1 and to be had? (the forsaid1
lond? toward? hornescrosse, with fre entreng1 and goyng1 out) to
the forsaid? Abbesse and to her " successours for euer, of the
208
with grant
of rights of
pasture for
one month
for the
convent
plough-
team of
eight oxen,
and for two
mares, in
lady
Zouche's
demesne-
pasture
of Halso
manor,
[Easter as
date of
beginning
pasture of
oxen and
mares.]
* leaf
XLIX
or 59,
back.
[Enclosure
of land.]
[Gret-
worth.]
in ex-
change
for God-
stow pas-
ture in
'the Thorn-
holt.'
Northamptonshire : Halso
forsaid1 dame Elene, here heires, or her assignes, into pure and
perpetuel almesse. Furthermore, the for-saicT dame Elene
grauntith, for her and for her heires and her assignes, to the
forsaid? Abbesse, her covent, and to her successours, pasture to 4
her owne viij. plough oxen and to her iji maris in her demayn)
pasture in Halso, into eschaunge of a pasture that the said1
abbesse and Covent had? in the thorne-holte of halso, that the
said1 viij. oxen and ij. maris of the abbesse and Covent begynne 8
frely to entre with the ladies oxen into the forsaide pasture, and
fede theire oxen, where-so^ever the oxen of the maner of halso
feden, pesibly and holy thurgft one monthe and no more every
yere for ever, al so sone as the oxen and the maris of the forsaid1 1 2
dame Elene and her heires or her assignes commonely entir the
said1 pasture, and specialy ben I-fed? yerely in the same aftir
Estir, to be hold1 and to be had1 (the said? pasture) into pure and
perpetuel almesse, in the forsaid? fowrrne : and the forsaide dame 16
Elene, hir heires, or hir assignes, shold1 warantie acquyte and
defende the forsaid1 lond1, with the pasture aforeseid1, in the
fourmQ afore I- write, to the * forsaid? Abbesse and Covent and to
her suceessours, ayenst alt men : and for this gifte, graurit, and 20
confirmaciofi), the forsaid1 abbesse and Covent yaf, graunted?, and
quyteclaymed?, for her self and her successours, to the forsaid?
dame Elene, and to her heires or her assignes, into eschaunge
the forsaid1 iiij. acres and half acre and half a rode of lond?, 24
liyng1 in the thorneholte in the feldes of halso, the which the
same dame Elene made newly to be closed? in, of the which
lond1 one butte lieth with-out the diche of the said1 close toward?
the thorneholt of gritworth, to-gedir with the commune of 28
a pasture the whiche the forsaid1 abbesse and Covent had? and
claymecT in the forsaicT thorneholte of Halso, to be hold1 and to
be had1 (the forsaid? lond1, with the forsaide commone of pasture),
to the forsaid? dame Elene and to her heires or her assignes for 32
ever, Of the chief lordes of the fee, frely quyetly and pesibly
for eve?. And the forsaid1 Abbesse and Covent warantijed1
aquyted? and defended1 for ever, vnto the forsaid1 dame Elene and
to her heires or her assignes, aft the forsaid1 lond1, with the 36
commone of pasture aforsaid! In-to witnesse of the which, they
put to this present writyng1 theire scales, and? sealed? hit everich
to other. Thise beryngp witnesse, & cetera.
209
OXFORDSHIRE
[ASTHALLEIGH, by Burford.]
[NOTE. — It is not clear to me whether the first and second deeds in this series do,
or do not, refer to the same yardland. If not, there is no further notice of the first
yardland. This Asthalleigh, or Asthallingleigh, occurs in the Hundred Kolls and
in old Gazetteers as a hamlet in Asthall parish, i. e. on the Windrush, about
three miles east of Fulbrook, which is a hamlet of Burford. Thomas Warton, in his
History of Kiddington, mentions a place with a similar name, Asterley or Asteley,
as a decayed parish merged in Kiddington. For Reginald of St. Valerie see
PP- 38, 39- In 1540, at the dissolution (Monast. iv. 372), Burford Hospital was still
paying the 125. quit-rent for this property.]
[279.] * A chartur of HeynolcT fist wydo to h. of * leaf vi
or is,
back<
About
_-__.+ m or is,
seynt w. back<
THE sentence of thys chartur is, that Reynold of seynt
Walery, the sone of GwycT, yaf & grauntycT to henri of seynt Henry of
walery for homage & hys seruice that yerd1 of londe in the byReginald
4 fraunchyse of Estallingleye, wiih alt hys pertinences, the whych °£|t. Va-
Robert the sone of ordrich held1. Furthermore the seyd R. ofWido,
wyllid the forseyd H. to haue & hold1, of hym & hys heyrys, to
hym & hys heyrys, the fore- say de londe frely & vtturly vndur
8 a yerly rent of xij. <T to be payd1 to opichi l & hys heyrys at subject to
Estallingleye at to termys of the yer, that is to sey, at cristmas 2
vj. d1, at Michaelmas vj. d1, for aft seruice and demaundis that
longyn to hym or to hys heyrys, sauynge the seruice dewe to the
12 kynge also muche as longythe to that yerdlonde. And, for
the seyde Reynolde of seynt walery & hys heyrys warantysyd
the seyd londe with hys pertinences to the seyd H., he * yaf to
the forseyd R. for thys yft & graunt v. Marke of syluer in Purohase-
16 gerssum. And fat thys yft shuld'not be dowtfutt to no man, he
sett to hys seele : & is witfc-out date.
1 ' Operichi ' in the Latin. MS. ' Natale Domini : Festum Sancti
3 These strange half-yearly terms are Michaelis.'
faithfully translated from the Exchequer
210
Oxfordshire : Estallingley
* leaf VI
or 18,
back.
About
1200.
Sale to
Henry of
St. Valerie,
by Reginald
of St. Va-
lerie, of a
yardland,
subject to
id. quit-
rent to
St. Frides-
wyde's
priory,
[Purchase-
money, £4.]
and to Alan
of Ful-
brook's and
his wife's
life-
interests.
[28O.]
* a chartur of B. of seynt walery to h. of seynt w.
of J>e lond1 in estallingley.
THE sentence of thys cbartur is, that Reynold of seynt
Walery hathe granntyd & yaf, Also hathe confermyd1 with hys
chartur, to henry of seynt walery, for hys homage & seruice,
j. yerd1 of lond1 in the town of astringley * with alt hys 4
pertenencys, that lond1 the whyche Aleyn fulbroc held1 of hym.
The forseyd1 yerd-londe he willid to be holde & hadde of hym
& hys heyrys to the forseyd1 henry & hys heyrys or assynys,
frely, quietly, pesybly & hoole fro aft accion, exaccion & alt 8
seruice, savinge the ryaft, paynge the?-of yerly to the prior
of seynt Frideswyth j. d1 in the day of seynt Michael : & for
thys graunt, yeft & confirmacion the forseyd1 henry of seynt
walery yaf to the forseyd1 R. of seynt walery vj. Marke of syluer 12
byfore handy s. And the seyd alane of fulbruc & hys wyfe shuft
holde the forseyd yercT-londe all the days of her lyfe, and aftur
he? decease the fore-namyd yerdlond1 shal turne hoole to h. of
seynt walery or to hys assinis. And, that thys graunt, yeft 16
& confirmacion shuld be sure afturwarcT, the seyd R. put to hys
seele : & is with-out date.
* leaf VII
or 10.
About
1210.
Grant to
Godstow,
by Henry of
St. Valerie,
of the serf
Alan, his
family, and
his land (as
in no. 280).
[281.]
* a chartur of henry of seynt walery of j. yerde
londe in Estallingeley.
THE sentence of thys chartur is that Henry of seynt walery
yaf grauntyd1 & confermyd1 with hys wrytynge to the churche of 20
God & of seynt lohn Baptist of Godstowe & to the holy Mynchons
there serumge god, for the helthe of hys sowle & of the sowlys
of hys aunceturs & of hys hyerys, Alan of Estallingeleye with
hys chyldryn that comyn of hym ; j. yerdlond1 in Estallingleie, 24
the whyche the same Aleyn holdyth, the whyche he bowht
of Roge? of seynt walery, the forseyd h. of seynt walery wyllyd
the forseyd1 holy mynchons to hold1 & to haue to hew in-to free
& perpetual almys, doynge to the kynge & to hys heyrys seruice 28
that he owyd1 to do to hem, as hyt is conteynyd in the chartur
of the same Roge? : and that hyt myht byde sure, he put to hyt
hys seele : & is wit^-out date.
Sic.
Oxfordshire : Estallingleie 211
[282.] A confirmacion of h. of seynt w. of be same. 1220,
April i.
THE sentence of thys chartur is, that Henry of seynt walery Confirma-
yaf grauntyd1 & confirmyd1 with hys wrytynge to the church of
god & of ou? lady seynt mary & of seynt lohn Baptiste of God-
4 stowe, & to the holy mynchons there seruynge god & to serue
for euyr, for the helthe of hys sowle & of the sowles of hys
aunceturs & heyrys, in-to free pure & perpetual almys, j. yerd- of Alan's
londe at Estallingleie with hys pertinences the whyche he bowht
8 of hys forseyd lorde Eeynold1, that is to say, the yerde-lond? that
alyn of the leghe helde, & what so euyr thynge that he hadde or extinction
myht haue in the same yerdlonde, he wyllyd the forenamid i^terest
minchons to haue & to holde of hym & hys heyrys, in alt places no> 28°-
12 & in aft thynges, with alle fredoms & free customs, hole, frely
& in rest fro alt rent custome sendee & exaccion, sauynge the
sendee that is dewe to hys forseyd loide Reynolde of the same
yerd-londe. Furthermore he & hys heyrys warantijid to the
16 fore-seyd holy mynchons the fcre-seyd1 almys agaynist ait men
& women : and for to make hyt sure he put to hys seele. The
date is of the yere of grace a thowsancT. CC°. xx°. the fyrst day
of apnle.
[283. * Agreement between Alice of Gorges, abbess of * Exche-
Godstow, and Robert son of Walter as to arrears
of a rent-charge.
20 ROBERT, son of Walter of Asthall, claims to hold a messuage Agreement
and yardland, with a croft and meadow, of the fee of Godstow Godstow,
in Estallyngleye, under a ten years' lease from Alice, widow of and Robert,
"Walter le fere, and by payment (in quarterly instalments) Walter, to
24 of a quit-rent of I2S. yearly to Godstow. But in the time of
"Walter le fere deceased arrears (1288-1300) of this quit-rent
were incurred to the amount of £6 125. Robert now bargains rent till
to remain undisturbed during his lease, on condition of duly expiry of
28 paying the quit-rent, and not to be held liable for arrears his lease*
incurred] * afore * the makyng1 of this presente writyng1 to be *Bawl.
made. And that nother they ne none by them or in ther name leaf 148.
1 The English Register begins again after a lost leaf.
P 2
212
Oxfordshire : Estallingleie
Fee paid,
6s. 8d.
myght ne ought to distreyne the said1 Robert his heires or
his assignes, nother in no wise yeve occasion) for ony maner
arreragis of the forsaid1 rente, duryng1 his termes of x. yeres,
in the forme aforesaid1. Natheles, fuft power reserued1 to them 4
in all wise to distreyne euery tenemente1, after the forsaid1
terme of the forsaid1 x. yere fully I-complete, for the forsaid1
arreragis for all the tyme behynde afore the makyng' of j?is
present writyng1 tille hit were I-satisfyecT fully therof to them, $
For the which graunte, pease to be had, and respite hangyngithe
terme of x. yere of the aboue arreragis, the forsaid1 Robert yaf
to them half a marke of siluer before handes. Into witnesse of
the whiche thynge, & cetera. 12
* leaf VII
or 19.
1338.
Grant by
Godstow, to
St. John
Baptist
Hospital,
Burford, of
a yardland
(probably
no. 280),
subject to
a quit-rent
of 128.
[284.] * A couenant I-made by }>e abbas of Godestowe
to the prior of borford1.
THE sentence of thys conuencion is, that Margerye Dyne,
abbesse of Godstowe, & the couent of the same place grauntyd1
& yaf licence, for hyr & hyr successours, to the prior of the
hospital of seynt lohn of borforde & to the couent of the same 16
place, & to her successours, for to appropur a yerde-londe with
the pertinens in Estallingleie, the whyche lohn of Cornewayle
helde of the seyd abbas & Couent, so that the for-seyd prior
& couent of the same place & he? successours pay thereof yerly, 20
to the fornamyd1 abbas & Couent, xij. shillings, at iiij. termys of
J?e ye?, for all seculer exaccion & demaunde. I-yef at Godstowe
the xij. yere of kynge Edward1.
[BANBUKY.]
[NOTE. — At the dissolution, 1540, Godstow was still in receipt of this rent-charge
of £5, issuing from the 'toll, market, and fair' of Banbury, which was still owned
by the bishop of Lincoln, Monast. iv. 372.]
*leafini
back.'
Grant to
ow'
[285.] *A chartur of A. bysshop of lincolne for
c- shillings in J>e tolle bowth of banbury.
THE sentence of thys dede is, that Alsaunder bysshop of 24
lincolne, aftur he hadde halowyd the churche of seynt lohn
1 In error for ' tenant.'
Oxfordshire: Banbury 213
baptiste of Godstowe, he grauntyd to the sustynaunce of the by Alexan-
Mynchyns there seruynge god a hundred shelyngys, ]>e whict Of Lincoln^
he assynyd to be payd1 & hadde euyrlastyngely in the tolle J^^^J^
4 bowthe of hys marcat of Banbury : * wherefore we warne,' he of £5, out
saythe, ' & pray for the loue of god, & for the helth of yowre revenue of
sowlys, that ye maynteyn to the seyd churche of seynt John, &
to the seruantys of crist, thys almys : ye to receyue, for yowre
8 good desyre, rewarde of god. We forbede also that no man be
bold to take a-wey thys almys in tyme to come, ne vexe, ne
greue hem. And yf that any man presume malapertly, let hym Anathema
know that he is a-cursyd/ these beynge wytnes, as is euident in violators of
12 the dede selfe; & is wtU-out date.
[BEGBROKE.]
[NOTE. — This deed is imperfect, from a leaf being cut out; and there is no
Begbroke heading in the Exchequer MS. In pope Nicholas IV's 1291 Taxatio
Ecclesiastica we have, slumped together, incomes from Cassington, Thrup, Begbroke,
Kiddington, and Ledwell in Woodstock rural deanery. The land here seems to
have been parted with before the dissolution.]
[286.] * A Charter of Raaf harang1 1-made to the myn- * leaf 213,
chons of Godestowe for homagis and services in
Beckebroke, & cetera. 122°-
•
THE sentence of this charter is that Raaf Harange, in the wey Grant to
of charite, and for the helthe of his soule and of his auncetours ^ ^ai^h
and successours, yaf, graunted1, and by his present charter Harang,
16 conformed1, to god and to cure Lady seynt marie and to seynt
John Baptist of Godestow and to the mynchons ther servyng1
god, aft the homage and seruyce of Roger of the lyons of alt the of a rent-
tenement that the same Roger held1 of me in the towne of Becke-
20 broke, that is for to sey, yerly in the day of seynt lofin Baptist
ij. shillings x. d? to be taken) : he yaf also and hold,
and of .
[Leaf missing.]
[BENSINGTON or BENSON: see in Shillingford.]
214
Oxfordshire : *|f Blechesdon
[BLETCHINGDON.]
[NOTE. — In the 1291 Taxatio Ecclesiastica of pope Nicholas IV, Godstow lands in
Blechesdon are assessed to be worth £i iSs. id. yearly. At the dissolution, 1540,
Godstow possessed in Bletchingdon copyholds of yearly value £2 135. 4$. (Monast.
iv. 371). The lands lay partly in Bletchingdon. and partly in the adjacent parish,
Hampton Gay : see pp. 221, 224.]
* leaf VIII
or 20,
back.
About
1139.
[Yerdlonde
«=rood.]
Grant to
Godstow,
by Robert
of Amary,
of lands,
viz.
14 acres m
one field,
1 8 acres
i rood in
another
field;
[yerd = a
rood =
i-acre.]
[287.] *A charter of Kobert of aumery to A[bbess]
of Gfodstow] for xxxij. acres in "bl&chedon.
THE sentence of tliys euidence is, that Robert of Aumery yaf
& grauntycT, to god & to the church e of our lady seynt mary &
of seynt lohn baptist of Godstowe, & to the holy mywchoiis there
seruinge god1, xxxij. acris of londe & j. yerdlonde with hys 4
hedys, of hys londe in the towne of blechedon, in-to pure &
perpetuaft almys, for the helthe of hys soule & hys auncetwrs,
to be hadde holde & to be take in-to possession, frely, restfully,
pesybly & worshypfully, with all the eysementes & fredoms 8
longynge to the same londe :
that is to sey, in j. felde, xiiij. acris : that is to sey, at the
stywe, half an acre ; & a-boue pauenhuft, j. acre ; & at the wey
by churchemawbrygge, half an acre; & at asseke-more, ij. 12
acris; & a-boue litul benehuft, j. acre & a halfe; and in the
assekemore, half an acre ; & at the heede of ladune, a yerd1 lond1;
and spelburghe, j. yerd" londe ; & at the hede of ladune, halfe an
acre; & vndur ladune, half an acre; & heyfordelond1, half an 16
acre ; & in the bradecroft x, thre halfe acris ; & vppon wordehutt1,
iij. halfe acris; & vppon cotman1 forlonge, j. acre; & in
myrysacre, ij. acris :
& in l an othyr felde 2, xviij. acris & j. yerde : that is to say, 20
vppon sondehuli in hutfurlonge, j. acre; and in myddyl
furlonge, ij. acris; & chypfen, iij. yerdys; & in the same
chypfen by the mere, iij. half acris; & at Mappeldure-stuble,
halfe an acre ; & chuham, ij. acris ; & at hynham, j. acre ; & 24
at reuemede 1, half an acre ; & at nordlongelond1, j. acre ; & in
hechefurlonge, half an acre; & at staindelfe, j. acre; and att
1 'Bradcroft — wrought hull — Cotman —
nota ij fildes — Ryemead,' in margin, in
several lines.
2 In this second field, the items are 3
half-acres short of the total. So also in
the Latin.
Oxfordshire: H Blechesdon 215
kyngys mere, iij. acris & an half; & vppon benehuft, halfe an
acre ; & vppon stepehyl, j. acre.
Furthyrmore, he grauntycT to the seyde holy mynchons of
4 Godstowe pasture to iiij. kyne, in hys owne pasture in the with pas-
same towne of blechedon, with hys kyne where so euyr they
goo (oute-take iij. croftes by-thowt hys court of the west part,
with wellemede) ; and furthermore, for hym and hys heyrys, to
8 the seyd1 holy mynchons of Godstowe, fre goynge thorowe hys and with
woode & thorowe hys londes in hys maner of pyrye, for her
cartes & carrys * to goo & come with-out ony vexac^on or lette through
for euyr. Also the seyd1 Robert of aumery & hys heyrys manor.
12 warantisyd1 the seyd? londe & pasture, & the seyd goynge in &